How to extend the battery life of your surveillance camera. Technical background and practical tips

How modern surveillance cameras save energy

Battery-powered surveillance cameras are the ideal solution when there's no on-site power supply. This makes efficient energy use all the more important. Modern models—such as the Apollo 2 from Weber Protect—feature intelligent battery management that automatically reduces energy consumption.

As soon as no motion is detected, the camera enters a power-saving sleep mode. If motion is detected, the camera instantly activates, records the event, and then returns to sleep mode.
This principle ensures that the battery is only used during actual activity, a crucial prerequisite for long runtimes.

In addition, high-quality cameras utilize advanced video compression (e.g., BH265). This allows video data to be processed efficiently and transmitted to the app in small data packets. The shorter the transmission time, the lower the power consumption, a principle that was also successfully implemented on Apollo 2.

How to optimize your camera's battery life

1. Set up motion detection correctly

Overly sensitive motion detection leads to unnecessary recordings. Use your app's settings to define motion zones and, if available, activate person detection. This will prevent false alarms and save valuable battery life.

2. Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can drain the battery as the camera attempts to send data multiple times.
Therefore, position your camera in an area with a stable signal or use a Wi-Fi repeater. A good connection not only ensures smooth data transmission but also lower energy consumption.

3. Use solar panel for support

A solar panel is an excellent addition to battery-powered cameras. Bifacial modules, such as those offered by Weber Protect, utilize both direct and indirect sunlight.
Just 2-3 hours of sunlight per day can be enough to permanently charge the battery, ideal for outdoor cameras.

4. Choose the right power supply for charging

When charging the battery, do not use a fast charger. A charger with 5 volts and a maximum of 1–2 amps is optimal to protect the battery and extend its lifespan.
This applies to all lithium batteries, regardless of the camera model.

5. Observe temperature protection

Extreme cold or heat can affect battery performance. When purchasing a camera, make sure it's suitable for outdoor use and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Models with a robust metal housing and IP66 protection class (such as the Apollo 2) can be used reliably even in severe frost or summer heat.

6. Avoid deep discharge

If possible, avoid letting your camera's battery run completely dry. Many systems offer in-app notifications when the battery level is low. Activate this feature to recharge in time. This will protect the battery and prevent permanent capacity loss.

More professional tips for longer battery life

• Keep firmware up to date: Software updates often include optimizations for power management.

• Use live streams sparingly: Every live stream puts a lot of strain on your battery. Only activate it when necessary.

• Customize push notifications: Limit notifications to truly important events to reduce energy consumption.

• Adjust recording quality: A lower resolution or frame rate saves energy and storage space. This is useful when maximum detail isn't always necessary.

Conclusion: Efficiency through technology and correct use

The battery life of a surveillance camera depends not only on the battery size, but above all on intelligent control, optimized data transmission and the right usage habits.
With the tips mentioned here, the running time can be significantly extended without sacrificing security.

Cameras with modern energy management, such as the Weber Protect Apollo 2, show that technical progress and energy efficiency go together perfectly.
In combination with a suitable solar panel and the right settings, your camera will remain permanently ready for use without the need for frequent recharging.


The security experts at Weber Protect will be happy to help you analyze your individual security needs. A comprehensive security concept doesn't have to be expensive. You don't need to hire expensive contractors for Weber Protect security products. You can install and configure all the products yourself.

Our range of security products offers everything you need to protect your home. Our video surveillance products protect your home from the front door to the garden.

Please visit our website or contact our customer service for individual advice:

Weber Protect Customer Service
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 17:00
Phone: +49 (0)30 318765100
Email: info@weberprotect.com