Eufy Security’s S40 solar-powered wireless home security camera is scoring well for power, performance and ease of use: The market for smart security and access systems for homes in MENA is seeing substantial growth, and is set to hit USD 332.5 mn this year, up from USD 255 mn in 2021, according to Statista. While security systems are generally not “energy hungry,” they usually rely on electricity or batteries to operate. But solar-powered security cameras, which require next to no maintenance from electricians after installation, are expected to grow in popularity. And Eufy Security’s new solar-powered wireless SoloCam S40 is getting major props from reviewers for its built-in solar panels, sharp resolution and easy installation.

As the first home security camera with inbuilt solar panels, the S40 could help change a still-nascent market. “Eufy’s solar-powered camera is a game changer for wireless, eco-friendly home security,” according to USA Today’s Reviewed website. There are currently few name-brand solar security cameras available in the market, Reviewed notes. And while other wireless security cameras like Ring and Arlo can be fitted with standalone solar panels, Eufy incorporates the panels into the device.

It makes its MENA debut in the UAE: Because it’s powered by sunlight, and weather-hardy, the ideal camera — launched in the UAE early this year — for the sun-heavy MENA region. “In the UAE we enjoy a great amount of sunlight all year round, so we are glad to launch a solution that leverages this natural resource to produce clean energy,” said Faraz Mehdi, general manager of regional sales at Anker Innovations Limited — the Chinese electronics manufacturing company that owns Eufy — when the device was launched in the UAE. The S40 also comes with an IP67 rating to ensure the camera is protected from humidity, dust, sandstorms and rainstorms, Security Review magazine notes. Eufy says the camera can also withstand extreme heat.

The camera can be easily fitted in the home: The S40 comes with a tripod mount that can be attached to a wall or fence, and the camera then fitted in, a review in the Ambient tells us. It connects directly to home wifi networks, so it can be placed anywhere as long as it receives a strong signal from the router, a review from Tech Advisor says.

And following a full charge, its internal battery can be kept topped up with as little as two hours of sunlight every day, notes the Ambient. The camera needs an initial charge of up to eight hours from its USB port — and then it should be placed in a sunny spot for optimal performance and battery life, adds Reviewed.

But what really has reviewers excited is the S40’s features: These include 2k resolution, 8GB of internal storage, a built-in spotlight, siren and talk-back speaker. The 8GB of storage is particularly useful, as it means you don’t need to pay for cloud storage to view the camera’s recordings, which are motion triggered, Tech Advisor adds. It praises the clarity and color balance of the video resolution, particularly with the camera’s 600-lumen spotlight, and notes its audio performance is excellent, even during inclement weather.

And a mobile app, with customizable features, allows for remote management: The app allows you to select your level of motion detection sensitivity — namely, whether you want the camera to detect all motion or human activity only. It also lets you choose what kind of notifications you receive from the camera, and monitor its battery life and storage. The app can integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistance, but not with Apple HomeKit.

The SoloCam S40 is priced at AED 685 and can be bought online and in-stores from Jumbo Electronics, notes PCMag.