Ring cameras run on rechargeable batteries, and recharging them means removing the camera, bringing it inside, and waiting several hours before reinstalling it. For cameras mounted high on a wall or in a hard-to-reach location, that process gets old quickly. The Ring Solar Panel solves it by keeping the battery topped off continuously from sunlight — in a good sun location, you may never need to manually recharge again. Ring now makes three solar panels at different output levels, and compatibility depends on which camera you have and which generation panel you are buying.
The Three Ring Solar Panels
Ring currently offers three solar panel options for their cameras. Each uses USB-C connectivity on current models, with a barrel plug adapter included for older cameras.
| Panel | Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Small Solar Panel | 1.9W | Tight spaces, low-activity cameras |
| Ring Solar Panel (2nd Gen) | 4W | Most cameras, standard installs |
| Ring Super Solar Panel | 5W | High-traffic areas, cloudy climates |
For most installations the Ring Solar Panel 2nd Generation at 4W is the right choice. It charges approximately 60% faster than the original 2W panel and covers the full range of compatible Ring cameras. The Super Solar Panel at 5W is worth the upgrade for cameras in locations with frequent cloud cover or high daily activity that drains the battery faster than a standard panel can replenish it.
Camera Compatibility
Compatibility is the most important thing to verify before purchasing. Ring solar panels are not universally interchangeable across the lineup.
The 2nd Gen Solar Panel and Super Solar Panel work with the Outdoor Cam Plus, Outdoor Cam (formerly Stick Up Cam 3rd Gen), Stick Up Cam Pro, Spotlight Cam Plus, and Spotlight Cam Pro. A USB-C to barrel plug adapter is included for older barrel-plug cameras. The original first-generation Stick Up Cam (now discontinued) is not compatible with any current solar panel.
Ring also makes separate solar panels specifically for video doorbells — those are not interchangeable with the camera solar panels. If you have a Ring Video Doorbell 3, 4, Battery Doorbell Plus, or Battery Doorbell Pro, search for the Ring Solar Charger for Video Doorbell rather than the camera solar panels.
Compatibility check: If you are unsure which panel works with your camera, Ring’s device compatibility list at ring.com/support lists every camera and its matching solar panel. Check there before buying — the connector type (USB-C vs barrel plug) and the panel model both matter.
How Much Sun Does It Need?
Ring recommends a minimum of a few hours of direct sunlight per day for reliable charging. In practice, more is better. A camera in full sun for 4-6 hours daily will maintain a topped-off battery indefinitely under normal use. A camera in partial shade or a northern-facing wall in winter will see slower charging and may require occasional manual recharging during extended cloudy periods.
The Super Solar Panel’s 5W output makes a meaningful difference in marginal sun situations — if your mounting location gets limited direct sun, the extra wattage extends the window in which solar charging is sufficient. For locations that are genuinely shaded most of the day, no solar panel will fully compensate and manual charging remains necessary.
Installation
Installation is straightforward. Ring includes a drill bit, wall anchors, screws, and a security screwdriver in the box. Mark the mounting holes, drill, insert the anchors, attach the mounting bracket, and connect the cable to the camera. The panel pivots on its mount to aim at the best sun angle. Mount it at least six feet up the wall — high enough to make tampering inconvenient and out of the direct line of sight from the ground.
Ring includes security screws on the solar panel mount — the same Torx-style screws used on their cameras — and backs the product with their theft replacement guarantee. If the solar panel is stolen, Ring replaces it when you file a police report.
Is It Worth It?
For any Ring camera installed in a location that gets reasonable daily sun, yes. The alternative is removing and recharging the battery every few months — more frequently for high-traffic cameras. A solar panel eliminates that entirely. At the current price of the 2nd Gen panel it pays for itself in convenience within the first year of ownership for most users.
For cameras on a shaded north wall or under a deep overhang, the honest answer is that solar charging may not fully eliminate manual recharging. In those cases the panel extends battery life meaningfully but may not replace charging entirely.
Bottom Line
The Ring Solar Panel 2nd Generation is the right choice for most Ring camera owners — 4W output, USB-C connectivity, and compatibility with the current Outdoor Cam and Spotlight Cam lineup. The Super Solar Panel is worth the step up for high-traffic cameras or cloudy climates. Verify compatibility with your specific camera model before purchasing, and mount it where it will get at least a few hours of direct sun daily.
Shop Ring Solar Panel 2nd Gen on Amazon
This guide is part of our Ring Security Camera Reviews guide.
