Tapo SolarCam C402 KIT review: An eco-friendly security solution

The Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit ($59.99) offers a simple, wire-free solution for homeowners looking to secure their outdoor spaces without the hassle of battery swaps or complicated installations. Powered by a solar panel and built to withstand the elements, it provides eco-friendly, low-maintenance monitoring. Its compact, weather-resistant design and user-friendly setup make it a convenient choice for just about anyone.

Design and features

The bullet-style SolarCam is built to handle outdoor environments while maintaining a modern and compact design. Rated IP65 for weather resistance, our IP code guide indicates it’s impervious to dust ingress and protected from water jets coming from any direction. It can operate in diverse climates, at temperatures ranging from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 113F (-20C to 45C). Its minimalist black-and-white aesthetic allows it to blend seamlessly into most outdoor settings, whether mounted on a porch, a fence, or a backyard wall.

The solar panel is designed for easy placement, with mounting hardware that supports various angles–or even mounted separately from the camera–to maximize sunlight exposure. Once installed, the panel works to keep the camera charged without the need for manual intervention, offering a nearly maintenance-free experience. This makes it especially appealing for hard-to-reach installations where changing its batteries would be a chore.

The camera delivers 1080p video resolution, ensuring clear capture of faces, license plates, and other critical details. Its 125-degree diagonal field of view provides wide-area coverage, making it well-suited for driveways, large porches, or expansive backyard spaces. Dual spotlights, which can be set to activate upon motion detection, illuminate dark areas up to 30 feet, helping to deter potential intruders. These spotlights also enhance the camera’s color night vision, allowing it to record vivid, full-color footage even in low-light conditions. For additional versatility, the camera includes infrared black-and-white night vision.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

The SolarCam’s smart features take its functionality up a notch. With person, vehicle, and animal detection—all available without a cloud subscription—the motion detection system effectively filters out false alerts from irrelevant movements, like swaying foliage, so you can focus on genuine security concerns. The camera also integrates with Google Assistant and Alexa, enabling voice commands for tasks like checking the live feed. Two-way audio provides a simple way to communicate with visitors or ward off intruders, all in real-time.

For storage, the Tapo SolarCam offers both local and cloud options. You can insert a microSD card (capacities up to 512GB, though none is included) for on-device recording, or you can opt for Tapo Care’s Premium subscription service. Priced at $3.49 per month or $34.99 annually, it covers covers up to 10 cameras and adds 30 days of video history, rich notifications, and Smart Sort, which lets you classify your recorded videos with different tags. A 30-day no-obligation free trial of the plan is included with purchase of the camera

Setup and performance

Setting up the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit is easy. Once you’re logged into the Tapo app, tap the “+” icon to add a new device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the camera. The app will guide you through connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network and optimizing its placement. The kit includes all the necessary mounting hardware for both the camera and solar panel, along with clear instructions to guide you through the process. The adjustable mount for the solar panel allows placement flexibility, helping you capture optimal sunlight regardless of your outdoor setup. A power drill is recommended for secure installation, but the process is otherwise simple and can be completed in less than an hour.

Video quality is quite good, considering its limited resolution. The daytime footage I recorded was crisp and detailed, capturing clear images of faces, vehicle plates, and other key details. Night vision is equally impressive, delivering sharp, well-lit footage in both color and monochrome modes. The two-way audio is reliable, offering clear sound for both communication and deterrence purposes, though windy conditions can introduce minor interference.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

I had good results with the various motion detection options. Person detection worked well to filter out irrelevant activity, minimizing false alarms from things like tree limbs, animals, or passing cars. If you want to be notified about animals or vehicles, those detection modes also performed reliably in my testing. Push notifications were quick, keeping me informed of potential security events almost in real time.

The Tapo app interface is intuitive, with clear menus for accessing live feeds, adjusting settings, and reviewing recorded footage. Customization options for motion detection are plentiful, including detection zones that allow you to monitor targeted areas and adjust the sensitivity to suit the environment. Notifications can also be tailored to reduce unnecessary alerts, making the system less intrusive while still effective.

The solar panel’s performance is critical to the system’s appeal, and it largely delivers on its promises. In sunny conditions, the panel kept the camera’s battery charged consistently, even with regular use of live view and motion recording. In cloudy or low-light conditions, the camera draws its internal battery down, but efficient power management ensured it continued to operate without interruptions. Under typical usage conditions, the battery can last up to 180 days on a single charge according to TP-Link.

Should you buy the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit?

The Tapo SolarCam C402 KIT is a good choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance outdoor security solution. Its solar-powered design minimizes upkeep while providing continuous coverage, and its high-resolution video ensures you won’t miss important details. The durable, weather-resistant build makes it a practical option for most outdoor environments.

That said, it’s not for everyone. Those in regions with limited sunlight might find the system less dependable, as its performance hinges on consistent solar charging. But overall, it’s a great option for those prioritizing ease of use and sustainable design.