Thanks to a huge variety of security cameras on the market right now, it’s never been easier or more affordable to keep an eye on your home. These DIY cameras are easy to install and allow you to monitor both the interior and exterior of your home from anywhere. Some more advanced models even have floodlights, sirens, motion sensors and other helpful features. Our CNET experts have tested dozens of home security cameras over the years, comparing indoor versus outdoor, wired versus wireless, and now, even testing ones powered by the sun.

Unlike indoor cameras, the ideal spot to set up your outdoor camera won’t always be near a power outlet. That’s why wireless cameras are often better suited for outdoor use. They’ll also keep you from having to run unsightly wires. But they’re not totally without fault — that battery will require charging at some point, most likely when it’s least convenient and you’re out of town. So, equipping your camera with a compatible solar panel is the best way to ensure your battery stays charged year-round. Solar-powered security cameras allow you to avoid tricky wiring and dead batteries while still delivering on all the other specs like their nonsolar counterparts.