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6 Checks to Fix Arlo Solar Panel Not Charging

If your Arlo solar panel is not charging, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

In this article, we will show you 6 solutions to fix the problem and help you get your Arlo solar panel working again.

How Do You Know if Arlo Solar Panel is Not Charging?

There are a few signs that you can look for to know if your Arlo solar panel is not charging.

The first sign is that the battery indicator light will be red or flashing. If the light is red, it means that the battery is low and needs to be charged. If the light is flashing, it means that the battery is critically low and needs to be charged immediately.

Another sign that the solar panel is not charging is that the camera will not turn on. This is because the camera needs power from the battery to operate and if the battery is not charged, the camera will not have enough power to turn on.

Lastly, you may also notice that the recording time is shorter than usual. This is because the camera is not able to record for as long as it normally can when the battery is low.

6 Checks to Fix Arlo Solar Panels Not Charging

There are many reasons why your Arlo solar panel may not be charging. For each reason, we will provide a solution that you can use to fix the problem.

Didn’t Get Fully Charged At the First Connect

You should charge the battery for 2 hours

It is mandatory that you should charge the camera for 2 hours before its first use. Not charging it for the said duration of time might result in this problem.

You must also ensure that they are using the right adapter and cable to charge as using a substandard one might also lead to this problem. The solution to this is to simply recharge the camera again for 2 or 4 hours.

Most people faced this situation when they were in a hurry to use the camera and didn’t want to wait.

So, what is the correct thing to do?

After unboxing the camera, remove the battery and check that all the accessories are installed and assembled properly.

Fully charged for the first time is recommended because Arlo solar panel can not charge an empty battery.

This issue is caused by many reasons, including the charging and discharging capacity of the battery. A solar battery should have 50% stored power to get instant charging.

For this reason, most solar system users install specific solar batteries instead of lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are okay, but they come with this problem.

Check if the Battery is Dead

The next thing you should do is check whether the battery is working or not. There are two ways you can test this.

The first way is to use a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is below 12 volts, then the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.

The second way to test the battery is to try and charge it with a solar charger. If the charger does not work or the battery does not charge, then the battery is most likely dead and needs to be replaced.

Battery Is Not Rechargeable

Arlo Wire-Free camera uses four CR123 lithium 3-volt photo batteries that are not rechargeable. Once they die, you need to replace them with new ones.

If the battery is dead, the only solution is to replace it with a new one. You can buy a new battery from Arlo or from a third-party retailer.

Frequently Placed in Areas with Shade

Your Arlo Solar Panel must be placed in an area where it can receive direct sunlight. If not, then it will have a hard time charging the battery. The solution to this is to simply move the solar panel to a location where it can receive direct sunlight.

If you live in an area with a lot of trees or buildings that block the sun, then you may need to move the solar panel around to find a spot where it can get direct sunlight.

Another solution is to buy a longer extension cord so that you can place the solar panel in a location where it can get direct sunlight.

Connection Issue

If the red light is still on, check the connector if it’s not loose. If the connector is loose, try to push it back or tighten the screws.

Another reason why the Arlo solar panel is not charging is that there might be something wrong with the connection. The solution to this is to simply unplug and then replug all the cables. You can also try to use a different cable to see if that works.

You may also need to check the wiring to see if there are any loose connections. If there are, you can try to reconnect them or replace the wires.

Not Mounted Properly

You should mount Arlo solar panel properly

The next thing you should check is whether the solar panel is mounted properly or not. The solution to this is to simply remount the solar panel. Make sure that the solar panel is mounted in a location where it can receive direct sunlight.

You may also need to adjust the tilt of the solar panel so that it can receive more sunlight.

There are some tips regarding mounting Arlo solar panels.

  • Not just remounting but remounting in many places to see what is best.
  • Keep the distance in mind too, the closer it is to the camera, the more chances of it working.

Overcharge Issue

Overcharge can cause battery won't charge
Overcharge can cause battery won’t charge

Battery overcharging is one of the most common problems with solar batteries. This happens when the battery is left in the charger for too long and the voltage of the battery gets too high.

The solution to this is to simply remove the battery from the charger when it is fully charged. You can also buy a solar charger that has an overcharge protection feature.

If the battery is overcharged, you can try to discharge it by using it until it is almost empty. You can also try to use a specific discharge cycle to discharge the battery.

If the battery is still not working, then you may need to replace it with a new one.

Solar Panel is Dirty

If the solar panel is dirty, then it will not be able to absorb as much sunlight and this will prevent it from charging the battery. The solution to this is to clean the solar panel with a soft cloth.

You can also use a garden hose to rinse off the solar panel if it is very dirty.

Make sure that you do not use any harsh chemicals or cleaners on the solar panel as this can damage it.

Arlo Solar Panel Not Working After Replace the Battery

If the Arlo solar panel still does not work after you have replaced the battery, then there might be something wrong with the solar panel itself. The solution to this is to either buy a new solar panel or send the old one back for a refund.

When choosing a new solar panel, make sure that you get one from a reputable brand. You can also read reviews of different solar panels before you buy one.

Arlo Solar Panel Not Working After Update?

If the Arlo solar panel still does not work after you have updated the firmware, then there might be something wrong with the update itself. The solution to this is to either roll back the update or send the old one back for a refund.

When choosing a new solar panel, make sure that you get one from a reputable brand. You can also read reviews of different solar panels before you buy one.

Arlo Solar Panel Charging FAQs

Does the Arlo solar panel need direct sunlight?

Arlo solar panel needs to be in an area where it can receive direct sunlight. It will not work as well if it is in an area where there is a shade or if it is behind a glass window.

How long does it take for the Arlo solar panel to charge the battery?

It usually takes around 2 hours for the solar panel to fully charge the battery. However, this will vary depending on the amount of sunlight that the solar panel is receiving.

How long does the Arlo battery last?

The battery will last for around 3-6 months before it needs to be charged again. However, this will vary depending on mobile signal strength.

Conclusion

To fix Arlo solar panels not charging, in most cases, users tend to forget to charge the battery for first use. A simple solution is to charge the battery. If that does not work, there might be a problem with the solar panel.

The solar panel will just need to be remounted in a better location. If that still does not work, you can try replacing the battery or the solar panel itself.

You should also make sure that you are getting a solar panel from a reputable brand.

4 thoughts on “6 Checks to Fix Arlo Solar Panel Not Charging”

  1. I have 3 solar panels and I’ve used them for about 6 months and they have worked fine till now and they have quit charging my arlo shows a lightning bolt like it’s charging but the background of the lighting bolt is darker than when it was charging before it kept the 3 camera 100% need help thanks

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