Alternative Mounts for the Arlo Solar Panel

Alternative Mounts for the Arlo Solar PanelThe Arlo Pro HD Home Security Camera is a terrific device for monitoring your home.  What makes it terrific?  It’s battery operated.  What makes it less than terrific?  It’s battery operated.  Combined with the Arlo Solar Panel, the camera retains its terrific-ness.

The issue with any battery operated camera is the batteries don’t last forever.  While the Arlo line of cameras have batteries that last longer than most, they will need to be recharged after several months of use.  When the batteries start to run low, the cameras need to be removed from their mount and then charged either by plugging them in using the micro USB wall charger or removing the battery and using the Arlo Battery Charger.

Mount Analysis

The Arlo Solar Panel is a great addition to the Arlo Pro or Arlo Pro 2 Home Security Cameras.  This is a way of not having to care about the batteries.  The solar panel mounts to wall of ceiling and includes a micro USB cable that plugs into the bottom of the Arlo Pro or Arlo Pro 2 cameras.  The solar panel charges the internal battery.  Theoretically, no reason to take the cameras down for recharging anymore.

The mount included with the Arlo Solar Panel uses a 1/4″ – 20 threaded adapter.  That’s similar to what is found on a tripod.  It’s also similar to what is found on the back of the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras.

So what’s wrong with the mount included with the Arlo Solar Panel?  Nothing.  It’s actually a pretty good mount.  Typical flat surface mount that screws to the surface.  And it’s kind of short.  But what if you need to attach it to an overhang and have it project forward?  Perhaps prefer not to drill holes into your home?

Mount Alternatives

Let’s look at a few alternative mounts for the Arlo Solar Panel.  Also, as long as we’re here, be sure to read about alternative mounts for the Arlo Pro HD.

For those looking to do a screw on flat surface mount but are finding the stock mount to be too short can consider the Arkon Camera Wall Mount for CCTV POV Camcorders Cameras.  This is a well made metal mount.  Measuring eight inches long, there are adjustment points at the base, midway and tip.  This is very useful for installing under an overhang and having it project forward into the sun.  The adjustment potential coupled with the metal construction are hard to beat.  A photo of this mount accompanies the article.

For those less inclined to drill some holes on the exterior of the house, a suction cup mount might be the right move.  Consider the Fat Gecko Double Suction Cup Camera Mount.  The dual suction cups combined with long arm will work well on a window or anything smooth and flat.  Like the prior mount, there are several adjustment points to facilitate getting the best angle.  The ending has the standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded adapter.  Be sure to clean the window glass prior to application.

Having to remove your Arlo Pro or Pro 2 to charge the batteries is disruptive, takes time and potentially means starting from scratch in terms of getting the perfect view.  Using the Arlo Solar Panel with one of these alternative mounts means never having to worry about taking the camera down for recharging again.