I’ve actually wondered about those solar panel locks too. I mean, in theory it sounds great—no more scrambling for batteries or getting locked out when you forget. But I’ve heard mixed things. Some folks say the little solar strip doesn’t really keep up if your door’s in a shady spot or if you live somewhere with long winters. I guess it depends on how much direct sunlight your entryway gets.
If you’re thinking about switching, here’s what I’d check first:
1. Watch how much sun your door gets throughout the day—like, is it mostly shaded or does it get a good few hours of light?
2. Look at the backup options on the lock. Some have a regular battery slot just in case, which seems smart.
3. Check reviews for your climate—sometimes people in sunnier states have better luck than those up north.
I’m curious, has anyone tried one of these on a north-facing porch? Wondering if they’re still reliable or if you end up swapping batteries anyway...
Not sure I totally buy that you need a sun-drenched porch for these to work. I’ve got a friend who slapped a solar lock on his back door—north-facing, tons of shade from a massive maple tree—and it’s still going. He says it charges up fine, probably because it gets just enough indirect light during the day. Maybe it’s not as fast, but it hasn’t died yet.
“Some folks say the little solar strip doesn’t really keep up if your door’s in a shady spot or if you live somewhere with long winters.”
I guess it depends on the model too. Some seem to sip power, others are total divas. I’d still want a backup battery though, just in case. Murphy’s Law and all that. If you’re the forgetful type (like me), that backup is a lifesaver. But yeah, I wouldn’t write off solar just because your porch isn’t sunbathing all day. Sometimes tech surprises you... or maybe I’m just lucky.
I get what you’re saying about indirect light, but I’m still a little skeptical for places with really long, gloomy winters. My sister’s place is up in the PNW and she tried a solar doorbell camera—total bust after a few months. Maybe locks use less juice than cameras, but I wonder if the cold plus low light would drain things faster than expected?
I also wonder if battery performance drops in freezing temps, regardless of how much it’s getting charged. Anyone actually tracked how long their solar lock lasts in the dead of winter? I’m all for less wiring and fewer battery swaps, but I’d hate to get locked out because the sun disappeared for a week. Backup battery feels like a must, but then I keep thinking… if you always need a backup, is solar really worth it? Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I’d love to see some real numbers on this stuff.
if you always need a backup, is solar really worth it?
I’ve wondered the same thing, honestly. I tried a solar-powered camera last winter and the battery tanked way faster in the cold. Locks probably sip less power, but yeah, freezing temps just kill battery life. Having a backup battery or even a manual key override seems like a must, especially up north. I’d love to see some real-world stats too—manufacturers always give “ideal conditions” numbers that never match reality.
I hear you on the cold—solar just doesn’t cut it up here half the year. I’ve got a solar lock on my shed and it’s fine in summer, but once December hits, I’m swapping batteries every couple weeks. Manual override is non-negotiable for me. Manufacturers always gloss over real winter use... reality’s a lot messier.
