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CCTVwala

Knowledge centre

Sizing solar panels and batteries for 4G cameras

Why a '10 W panel' is not enough on its own and what to check before buying an off-grid camera.

Start from consumption

A 4G camera with IR illumination and continuous recording can draw 3–6 W; with PIR-triggered recording it averages well under 1 W. Daily consumption (Wh) = average watts × 24.

Panel

Indian sun gives roughly 4–5 peak-sun hours a day on average, fewer in monsoon. Panel watts ≈ daily Wh ÷ 4 × 1.5 (losses and cloudy days). A camera averaging 2 W (48 Wh/day) wants an 18–20 W panel, not the 6 W panel some kits ship with.

Battery

Size for at least two cloudy days: battery Wh ≈ daily Wh × 2 (more in the hills during monsoon). Lithium packs quoted in mAh at 3.7 V: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh.

What to check on a listing

  • Is the panel included, optional or just marketing ("solar-labelled")? Our listings say which.
  • Battery capacity in Wh or mAh and the panel wattage actually in the box.
  • 4G band support for your operator and whether a SIM is included.