Arlo Solar Panel Guide: Which One Works With Your Camera?

If you own a battery-powered Arlo camera, a solar panel is one of the best upgrades you can make. Instead of climbing a ladder to swap batteries every few months, a solar panel keeps your camera topped off automatically. However, not every Arlo solar panel works with every Arlo camera and choosing the wrong one is a frustrating mistake. This guide breaks down exactly which panels are compatible with which cameras, including Arlo’s newest models like the Arlo Pro 6.

Why Arlo Solar Panel Compatibility Is Complicated

Arlo has released multiple solar panel models over the years, each designed for a different connector type. Older cameras used a proprietary magnetic connector. Newer cameras switched to Micro-USB and, most recently, USB-C. As a result, a panel that worked perfectly with your Arlo Pro 2 will not charge a Pro 6 even though both are Arlo cameras.

There is also an important electrical consideration: Arlo cameras are designed to interact with their solar panels in a specific way. The camera detects when a solar panel is connected and adjusts its charging behavior accordingly. A generic USB solar panel even one with the right connector may not trigger that detection, which can result in the battery draining faster than expected rather than staying charged.

The safest approach, therefore, is to use an Arlo-certified panel or a third-party panel that specifically lists compatibility with your exact camera model. In addition, always verify the model number before buying, since connector types have changed significantly across generations.

The Current Arlo Solar Panel Lineup

Arlo currently sells three solar panel lines, each aimed at a different part of the camera lineup.

VMA7600 Universal Solar Panel Charger (2025)

This is Arlo’s newest and most versatile panel. The VMA7600 includes three interchangeable cable ends — USB-C, Micro-USB, and magnetic — so it works across virtually the entire current Arlo lineup without adapter hassle. Compatible cameras include the Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S, Pro 6, Pro 6 XL, Essential Series (2nd and 3rd Gen), Go 2, Ultra, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and Arlo Wireless Floodlights. If you own more than one Arlo camera from different generations, this is the panel to buy as this panel works with all of them.

One important note: the Pro 6 and Pro 6 XL only work with USB-C or universal solar panels. If you are upgrading from an older camera and still have a magnetic-connector panel from your Pro 3 or Pro 4, that panel will not be compatible with the Pro 6 series.

VMA5600 Solar Panel Charger (2021)

The VMA5600 uses a magnetic connector and is compatible with the Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S, Ultra, Ultra 2, and Pro 3 Floodlight. It is still widely available on Amazon and is a solid choice if you own any of those cameras and prefer an official Arlo accessory. However, it will not work with the newer Pro 6 or Essential 3rd Gen cameras, both of which require USB-C.

VMA3600 / VMA6600 Essential Solar Panel

These panels are designed exclusively for the Essential camera line. The VMA3600 works with the original Essential Spotlight and Essential XL cameras, while the VMA6600 is the 2nd Gen version for the Essential Outdoor 2K and Essential Outdoor XL 2K. Neither panel is compatible with the Pro or Ultra series. If you own an Essential camera and want solar charging, these are your official options — though the newer VMA7600 universal panel also covers the Essential line and is worth considering if you plan to add more cameras later.

Quick Compatibility Reference

Third-Party Arlo Solar Panels

A number of third-party manufacturers make solar panels that claim compatibility with Arlo cameras. These panels are typically less expensive than the official Arlo accessories and often come in multi-packs, which can be appealing if you have several cameras to power. For the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S series i.e. cameras that use the magnetic connector, there are several well-reviewed third-party options available that work reliably. Most use a 6V output with a 4–5W panel and include a 9.8–13 ft cable, giving you more placement flexibility than Arlo’s 8 ft cable.

For the Pro 6 and Ultra 3, which use USB-C, third-party options are also available. However, these cameras are newer, so there are fewer third-party options with a long track record. If you go the third-party route for a newer camera, verify the product listing explicitly states compatibility with your specific model and check recent buyer reviews for any charging issues.

One thing to avoid: generic USB solar panels not marketed for Arlo cameras. Even if the connector fits, the camera may not detect the panel correctly and could drain the battery instead of charging it.

Does the Arlo Pro 6 Have a Built-In Solar Panel Option?

No, the Pro 6 does not have a built-in solar panel.  It charges via USB-C using the VMA7600 universal panel or a compatible third-party USB-C panel. However, the Pro 6 does benefit significantly from solar charging given its hard-to-reach mounting positions and the fact that it is rated for up to eight months of battery life per charge. Adding a solar panel to the Pro 6 means you can effectively set it and forget it. For a full look at the Pro 6’s specs and performance, see our Arlo Pro 6 review.

Installation Tips

Placement matters more than most people expect. The panel needs direct sunlight to generate enough power for continuous trickle charging. South-facing walls and rooflines are typically the strongest positions in the northern hemisphere. East or west-facing placement can work but may not keep up in shorter winter days or during extended overcast periods.

Keep in mind that Arlo’s panels are designed for trickle charging, not rapid battery recovery. If your camera is in a very high-traffic area recording dozens of clips per day, a solar panel may slow battery drain without eliminating it entirely. Furthermore, if your camera’s battery is already significantly depleted, bring it inside to charge via USB before relying on solar to maintain it.

The 360-degree adjustable mount included with all current Arlo panels makes aiming straightforward. Mount the bracket first, then aim the panel face-on toward the sun’s path before tightening. Finally, route the cable cleanly to avoid pulling on the camera’s connector over time.

Which Arlo Solar Panel Should You Buy?

For most buyers, the VMA7600 universal panel is the right call. It covers the entire current lineup, includes adapters for all three connector types, and is future-proof if you add another Arlo camera later. The only reason to choose the VMA5600 over it is if you specifically want the magnetic connector and find the VMA5600 at a lower price — it remains a reliable option for Pro 3 through Pro 5S cameras.

If you own an older Arlo Pro 2 or original Pro, the VMA4600 is technically the correct panel, but Arlo no longer actively sells it and it may be difficult to find new. In that case, a third-party panel marketed for those specific models is likely the most practical solution.

This guide is part of our Arlo Security Camera Hub.   See also: Arlo Pro 6 Review · Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Review · Security Camera Mount Guide