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Solar Panel Accessory for V731B Battery Camera (ADC-VACC-SP4W) - Installation Guide

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Compatibility Notice: Alarm.com does not support third-party solar panels for use with Alarm.com cameras.

The Alarm.com Solar Panel (ADC-VACC-SP4W) and ADC-V731B camera are designed to be used together to ensure a weatherproof connection. The full suite of features and functionalities will only work correctly with the official Alarm.com Solar Panel.

The ADC-V731B camera's USB-C connection point is designed to be waterproof when used with the Alarm.com Solar Panel Accessory for V731B Battery Camera (ADC-VACC-SP4W). When attached, the USB-C connector fits snugly against an internal gasket, blocking water from entering. This design has passed outdoor testing to ensure the camera remains safe and functional in any weather.

ADC-V731B Alarm.com app post-installation guided Solar Panel Accessory setup

  1. When you complete enrollment and settings configurations for the ADC-V731B using the Alarm.com app, you will be shown a screen asking if you are also connecting a Solar Panel Accessory (ADC-VACC-SP4W) to the V731B. Tap Yes to view a summarized version of the mounting instructions listed out below to guide you through the installation process.
     
    V731B post-installation Solar Panel setup
  2. Tap Next once you have completed installing the Solar Panel Accessory.
     
    Solar Panel Mounting Instructions
  3. Tap Yes to complete the Solar Panel Accessory guided setup, and prompt an automated check of the Solar Panel Accessory's current charging health and status.
     
    Solar Panel connection confirmation
  4.  
    Depending on the charging health and status, the automated check will display one of three results screens with additional information for you.
     

    Solar Panel Strong Charge Solar Panel Low Light Exposure Solar Panel Strong Charge

Note: The following instructions are an expanded version of the above guided setup process.

Tools needed

  • Drill with 3/16" drill bit (optional for wood mount)
  • Screwdriver with #2 Phillips bit

Install the wall mount

The SP4W features standard ¼" tripod screw threading, allowing compatibility with a variety of mounting options. A wall mount is included in the box for flush surface mounting. Alternatively, the solar panel can be used with a variety of third-party mounts and stands. Follow the instructions below to mount the solar panel to a flush surface.

Note: It is recommended to mount the camera first, then find a location within 9 feet of the camera that gets 3 or more hours of direct sunlight a day to mount the solar panel. The rest of the instructions assume that the camera is already mounted.
  1. Choose the mounting location. The solar panel needs to be mounted within 9 feet of the camera.
  2. Verify there are no nearby obstructions that could cause shadows on the solar panel.
  3. Mark and drill mounting holes. Use the included mount to mark the desired locations for the mounting screws.
    • If mounting to drywall, drill two 3/16" holes.
  4. Attach the mount. Align the solar panel's mount with the drilled holes. Use the included screws to securely fasten the mount to the mounting surface.
  5. Attach the solar panel to the tripod screw.
  6. Screw the solar panel onto the tripod screw threading until it is tight and securely fastened.
  7. Adjust the solar panel angle. Loosen the collar on the mount to adjust the ball joint. Move the solar panel to align it according to your location below. Once the solar panel is positioned correctly, tighten the collar to secure it in place.

Align the solar panel

The solar panel needs to be in a sunny location that gets three or more hours of direct sunlight per day with no shadows.

Note: A properly oriented solar panel can charge the camera's battery up to twice as fast as a misaligned one. For more information on optimizing your solar panel installation, see Optimize Solar Panel Accessory (ADC-VACC-SP4W) installation for maximum efficiency.

For the Northern Hemisphere:

The solar panel needs to face south and be tilted to 45 degrees.

For the Southern Hemisphere:

The solar panel needs to face north and be tilted to 45 degrees.

Connect the solar panel to the camera

Stretch the cord from the solar panel to the camera. If there is any excess cable hanging, wrap it around the back side of the solar panel and use the clips to secure it. Once the cord is aligned properly and the extra is wrapped out of the way, locate the USB-C port on the back of the camera. Open the rubber dust cover and firmly insert the USB-C connector into the camera.

Verify the camera is charging

It is possible to verify the SP4W Solar Panel is charging the camera using the Alarm.com customer website or Alarm.com app.

Alarm.com customer website steps
  1. Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
  2. Click Video.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Select the desired camera.
  5. Click Battery Status.
  6. View the Solar Panel Charging value to determine the device's current charging status.
Alarm.com app steps
  1. Log in to the Alarm.com app.
  2. Tap Video .
  3. Tap Configure.
  4. Select the desired camera.
  5. Tap Battery Status.
  6. View the Solar Panel Charging value to determine the device's current charging status.

Review camera angle

While still logged in to the Alarm.com app or Alarm.com customer website, open the camera's live view to verify its Field of View was not unintentionally altered while the solar panel was being installed, and also to check that the solar panel is not in the camera's Field of View.

For more information about viewing a camera's live view, see Live video streaming.

Regular maintenance

  • Review the physical installation location periodically to make sure the solar panel is still aimed correctly.
  • If the solar panel has collected dirt or debris, remove any debris and wipe with water and a clean, soft cloth.
  • Review expected charging and maximize solar charging by making adjustments to the positioning as needed.
Maximizing battery life

Important: The camera will only charge when its battery is within a safe temperature range of approximately 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C).

  • Position the solar panel optimally to maximize charging efficiency.
  • The camera will not charge over 80% on solar power to extend the lifetime of the battery.
  • The ADC-V731B goes into a low power mode until the PIR sensor detects motion. Once the trigger is activated, the camera comes online and processes the video. The more triggers, the faster the battery will be consumed. When using the solar charging solution, it is recommended that the triggers are tuned to eliminate as many false positives as possible.

View the Battery Status History

The Battery Status History page for the V731B and Solar Panel Accessory setup gives you a clear understanding of how your camera is charging, how much sunlight it is getting, and the health of the battery.

It is possible to view the Battery Status History page using the Alarm.com customer website or Alarm.com app.

Alarm.com customer website steps
  1. Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
  2. Click Video.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Select the desired video device.
  5. Click Battery Status to view the current status and usage summary of the selected device.
Alarm.com app steps
  1. Log in to the Alarm.com app.
  2. Tap Video .
  3. Tap Configure.
  4. Select the desired video device.
  5. Tap Battery Status to view the current status and usage summary of the selected device.

Additional information

For more information about the Solar Panel Accessory (ADC-VACC-SP4W), see Solar Panel Accessory (ADC-VACC-SP4W) - Frequently Asked Questions.

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