What is the Blink Solar Panel Mount?

The Blink Solar Panel Mount is a wireless solar panel charging accessory that uses sunlight to power the Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) Camera (Outdoor 4, XT and XT2 not supported).

How does the Blink Solar Panel Mount work?

First, remove the pull-tab in the battery compartment to activate the battery. Next, you simply plug the camera in via the micro-USB cable, then snap the camera onto the mount. After a few minutes, the camera will then be able to access the rechargeable battery built into the solar panel. Click here for detailed setup instructions.

Why don’t I see ‘External Power OK’ as the Battery status in the Camera Settings?

This may occur for the following reasons:

• The battery tab has not been removed from the compartment (located on the back of the unit), which prevents them from charging.
• It takes three minutes for the unit to check for a change in voltage on the USB line after the camera is connected.
• Sometimes the camera has to first detect motion or perform a Live View for the power status to update in the app.

Can I use the Solar Panel Mount with any Blink cameras?

No, the Solar Mount can only be used with Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) cameras. Other Blink outdoor cameras (Outdoor 4, XT or XT2) are NOT compatible with its micro-USB connector to provide a weather-resistant seal.

Does my Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) camera have full functionality when powered by the Solar Panel Mount?

Yes, as long as your camera receives adequate power from the Solar Panel Mount, it will have full functionality, exactly the same as when it’s powered by the camera’s 2 AA 1.5-volt batteries. However, keeping functional batteries in your camera is important, in case your solar panel battery has no charge.

Will my camera use its internal batteries if the Solar Panel Mount has no charge?

Yes, your Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) Camera will switch to using its internal 1.5V AA lithium batteries in the event that your Solar Panel Mount has no charge. Once your Mount has adequate charge to power your camera, it will revert back to using it after three minutes or on execution of a new event (e.g. Live View or Motion Detection).

Does the Solar Panel charge my camera batteries?

No, the Solar Panel simply provides external power to your Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) camera, which may extend the life of your camera’s batteries.

What kind of battery is used in the Blink Solar Panel Mount?

The Solar Panel uses one 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery. In the event that a new battery is required, please only use a 18650 battery with the following specifications: 3.7 V, 3200 mAh, 11.84 Wh.

Where can I mount my Blink Solar Panel Mount?

The Solar Panel Mount can be mounted on various surfaces including siding, stone and wood. It can be installed in both wall and eave orientations. Wherever the solar panel is mounted, it is important to place your Solar Panel Mount in a south-facing direction to receive optimal sunlight and maintain its charge. Click here for detailed instructions on how to mount the Blink Solar Panel.

Is the Solar Panel adjustable to position for optimal sunlight?

Yes, the Solar Panel Mount can be adjusted by pivoting or detaching the solar panel to capture optimal sunlight in a remote mounted location. Click here for detailed specifications of camera and solar panel tilt ranges.

What if my preferred mounting position doesn’t have access to sunlight?

To allow for Solar Panel mounting in a position that receives more sun exposure, you can remove the panel from the housing to access the 2 ft (60 cm) long cable for better positioning. A 13 ft (4 m) long extension weatherproof cable can be purchased separately to further extend the Solar Panel for optimal sunlight charging. This will allow the panel to be positioned further from the mounting bracket in ideal sunlight conditions. If the solar panel is removed, a solar panel cavity cover can be snapped onto the mount to protect inside the mount from water and debris.

Click here to purchase the 13 ft (4 m) weatherproof extension cable in the US or click here to purchase in Canada.

If the Blink Solar Panel is fully detached for external mounting, is it protected against weather?

Yes, the Blink Solar Panel can be protected against water and debris when the included Solar Panel housing is placed securely.

Is the micro-USB cable removable so I can install a longer cable?

No, the attached micro-USB cable for the Blink Solar Panel Mount and the Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) camera connection is not removable. You can purchase a 13 ft (4 m) weatherproof extension cable (sold separately) if you wish to detach and mount the Solar Panel up to 15 ft (4.50 m) away from your camera.

Is the Blink Solar Panel Mount weather resistant?

Yes, the Solar Panel Mount is IP65 certified weather resistant. There are two drainage holes at the base of the housing to allow water entering the housing to pass by the camera on both sides.

What is the operating temperature range of the Blink Solar Panel Mount?

The Solar Panel Mount operating temperate range is between -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C).

Does the Blink Solar Panel have a warranty?

Yes, the Blink Solar Panel has a 1-year limited warranty (2 years for EU/UK). To learn more about Blink’s Limited Warranty.