In the saturated world of security cameras, the promise of "wireless " is often synonymous with compromise, particularly when it comes to battery life and connection stability. Battery-powered systems generally require a restrictive charging routine. Aosu addresses this sensitive issue with its Solar Cam D1 Classic kit , which integrates solar panels to transform the sun's energy into perpetual autonomy. The whole system relies on a centralized base station, managing local storage of recordings (a real plus compared to the all-cloud) and radio communication with the cameras. On paper, this kit has everything to appeal to the demanding user who wants efficiency without the constraints of a wired installation. This is what we wanted to verify: is this kit the standard for zero-constraint home surveillance?
An unboxing that sets the tone
From the moment you open the box, it's clear that Aosu designed their kit as a true all-in-one. Depending on the version you choose, you'll find two or four Solar Cam D1 , a compact storage base, all the necessary screws, drilling templates for easy installation, and even USB Type-C cables to charge the cameras if needed. Some kits also include deterrent stickers indicating the presence of video surveillance.
The first impression is positive: the cameras give off a solid feel. In our tests, one of them even survived a fall without the slightest damage. The plastic used inspires confidence and has an IP65 certification , which guarantees resistance to water and dust. The cameras can operate in a wide temperature range, from -10 to 55 °C.
The element that strikes you right from the start is the integration of the solar panel directly on top of each camera . Unlike other systems where the panel is separate and adjustable, Aosu has opted for the all-in-one approach. This approach has its advantages: installation is simplified, with only one element to attach. But it also has a limitation: it is impossible to orient the panel optimally if the camera is not perfectly exposed to the south.
The storage base is surprisingly compact. Smaller than expected, it offers 32GB of storage, enough, according to Aosu, to store about two months of video. Technically, it connects directly to your internet box via the included Ethernet cable and plugs into the mains. There are two USB ports on the back, but they are only used to charge the cameras and do not allow you to expand the storage with an external drive.
The tone is set: this kit is not just functional, it seeks to make installation simple while offering real autonomy thanks to solar power, while showing its limits in certain configurations.
Table of Contents
A disconcertingly simple installation
Installing a video surveillance system is often a challenge. The Aosu Solar Cam D1 completely changes this perception. After connecting the base station to Ethernet and mains power, simply download the Aosu app available on iOS and Android, create an account, and you're done. No complicated Wi-Fi configuration to understand, no obscure technical manipulation.
The magic happens from the first time you turn it on. You hold down the Power button on the bottom of the camera for a few seconds, it emits a characteristic little beep accompanied by a vocal "Hello", and the application automatically detects it. Then you just have to scan the QR code on the base, and the connection is established without any intervention from you. In less than two minutes, our first Aosu Solar Cam D1 was operational. It's simply the fastest setup we've ever encountered on surveillance cameras.
Physical mounting is just as straightforward. The included brackets screw into the wall using the included drilling template. You drill three holes, then simply clip the camera onto its mount. It can then rotate 360 degrees horizontally and tilt up to 90 degrees vertically. However, it's impossible to mount above the horizon, so choosing the right installation height is essential for optimal viewing.
An important detail regarding range: communication between the base station and the cameras is done via dedicated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, independent of your home network. In our tests, we were able to place the Aosu Solar Cam D1 up to 20-25 meters from the base station without signal loss. Beyond that, there are occasional interruptions. To check coverage before final installation, we recommend testing with your smartphone: if you can get Wi-Fi from your router at the planned location, the cameras will have no problems.
Solar autonomy: promise kept
Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras is that they never have to be recharged thanks to their integrated solar panel. We were rather skeptical at first, especially after installing a camera in a low-exposure area. After several weeks of use, it is clear that the system works remarkably well.
According to Aosu, just two hours of sunlight per day is enough to maintain the charge. In our real-world test, with one camera in excellent exposure and another in less favorable conditions, both consistently ended the day with 100% battery. Even during prolonged cloudy periods, typical of the Grand Est region of France where we conducted our tests, battery life was never an issue.
The app displays the charge level of each Aosu Solar Cam D1 and whether it is currently being recharged by the sun. This transparency makes it easy to monitor the system's status. For those installing a camera in a garage or a location without natural light, know that it can last more than a month without recharging. The supplied USB Type-C cables then allow it to be easily recharged, either from the mains or directly via the USB ports on the base. In this configuration, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 maintains a very long battery life, making it a standalone camera in all circumstances.
Impressive image quality
Now let's get to the heart of the matter: how do these cameras perform in real-life conditions? The answer is frankly positive. The Aosu Solar Cam D1 , with its 3-megapixel sensor offering 2K resolution and H.265 encoding at 15 frames per second, delivers a performance well above our expectations for cameras in this price range.
In daylight, images are sharp and detailed. The viewing angle is wide enough to cover a good portion of ground without the need for multiple cameras. Colors are accurate, and even from a distance, faces and details are clearly visible. In the app, you can switch between SD quality to save bandwidth and Ultra HD quality to fully exploit the sensor's capabilities.
What particularly impressed us was the audio quality. The built-in microphone captures sound with remarkable clarity. In our tests, we were able to hold a normal conversation several meters away from the camera, and every word was perfectly intelligible. This is, by far, the best audio quality we've tested on security cameras. Even when gradually moving back, the words remained discernible, which is not the case with most competitors.
The built-in speaker is just as powerful. You can talk to people in front of the camera from your smartphone, wherever you are in the world, with clear and powerful sound reproduction. The app even offers a fun voice changer function to adopt a more authoritative voice, which can be useful for deterring potential intruders without revealing your true voice identity. In this configuration, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 not only offers remarkable image and sound, but also maintains exceptional solar autonomy, making it a reliable and autonomous camera in all circumstances.
Night vision: two complementary modes
At nightfall, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras reveal another of their strengths. These cameras offer two distinct night vision modes, each designed to meet different and complementary needs.
The first mode uses classic infrared vision . The images appear in black and white, but with surprising sharpness. Even in the total darkness of a closed garage or a garden plunged into night, we were able to clearly distinguish movements and identify people. This mode has the advantage of being completely discreet: the infrared LEDs are invisible to the naked eye, which allows for discreet surveillance for the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras .
The second mode activates four powerful white LED spotlights located around the lens. The effect is spectacular: the scene is completely illuminated, providing color images comparable to those obtained in broad daylight. In our tests, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras easily illuminated an area of several square meters. They are powerful enough to distinguish the colors of clothing, read a license plate, or accurately identify a face, even from a distance.
This mode, however, has the disadvantage of clearly revealing the camera's presence, which can be an asset for deterrence. It's up to you to choose according to your strategy: prioritize discretion with infrared or rely on the deterrent effect with white lighting. Switching between the two modes is done instantly from the application, and you can even program schedules to automate this behavior according to the time of day. In this configuration, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras combine nighttime performance and solar autonomy, which makes them cameras in all circumstances.
Game-changing smart detection features
Beyond simple video capture, Aosu cameras incorporate several detection technologies that completely transform the daily experience.
Human motion detection is the system's true strength. Rather than bombarding you with notifications every time a leaf moves or an animal passes by, the cameras intelligently filter to alert you only when a human form is detected. This detection works remarkably well. During our weeks of testing, we had no false alerts related to dogs, even with a large Australian Shepherd that regularly passed in front of the cameras. Other systems regularly mistake large dogs for humans, but not here. The detection range reaches approximately 14 to 15 meters in our tests. Beyond that, movements no longer trigger alerts. This is a limitation to keep in mind when positioning your cameras.
Another impressive feature is automatic tracking. As soon as a person enters the field of view, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 begins to smoothly track them. It rotates horizontally and vertically to keep the subject in the center of the image, continuing to track them until they completely leave its coverage area. Once the person disappears, the camera automatically returns to its original position after a few seconds. This behavior is particularly useful for keeping an eye on a visitor or delivery person moving around your property.
Better yet, if you have multiple cameras in the kit, they communicate with each other to ensure inter-camera tracking. In concrete terms, if you walk in front of the first camera that follows you, then you leave its field to enter that of the second, the application allows you to automatically switch from one view to the other. In the event history, a small specific logo indicates these sequences followed by several cameras. A real plus for reconstructing movements on your property and understanding the exact route of a person. With the Aosu Solar Cam D1 four-camera , you can follow someone who makes a complete tour of your house without missing a single second of their movement.
The Aosu app: comprehensive without being complex
All system management is done through the Aosu , and this is where the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras demonstrate their accessibility philosophy. The interface is clear, intuitive, and requires no special technical skills.
On the home screen, you'll find all your Aosu Solar cameras with their battery levels and charging status. A simple tap on one displays the live video feed, with less than a second of latency in our tests. The quality is excellent, even when accessing the images from outside the house via 4G.
A multi-device view allows you to view all your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras . If you have the four-camera kit, you can monitor your entire property at a glance. Clicking on one of the views brings out the audio from that specific camera, which is a nice touch.
Recordings are accessible via a dedicated tab. Each detected event is automatically saved to the database, with a small thumbnail showing what triggered the alert. Human-related events are marked with a specific logo, making them easier to sort. You can download any footage directly to your smartphone with one click to save or share it.
A virtual joystick lets you manually control the Aosu Solar camera to explore the surroundings. It's smooth and responsive, though limited by the inability to ascend beyond horizontal, as mentioned above.
The app also offers a particularly clever 360-degree panorama function. When activated, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 automatically rotates completely, stopping at regular intervals to capture its entire surroundings. This function can be programmed to run at specific times, allowing you to maintain a regular overview of your property.
In this configuration, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras remain autonomous and efficient, offering total remote control while maintaining very long solar autonomy.
A siren that doesn't go unnoticed
When it comes to deterrence, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras don't do things by halves. Each camera incorporates an impressively powerful siren. During our measurements, we recorded peaks of 100 decibels, the same noise level as a jackhammer. It's truly deafening.
This alarm can be triggered in three ways: Manually from the app when you see something suspicious live. Automatically when motion is detected if you enable the corresponding option. Or according to a specific schedule that you set.
Combined with the white LED lighting that activates simultaneously, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras provide a guaranteed deterrent effect. It's hard to imagine an intruder staying put in the face of such a barrage of sound and light. Of course, it should be used sparingly to avoid disturbing the neighborhood, but the option is there for situations where you really need it.
In this configuration, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras remain autonomous and efficient, offering maximum protection while maintaining their long solar autonomy.
Fine management of notifications and schedules
One of the most advanced aspects of the Aosu Solar Cam D1 camera is its notification and scheduling management. Rather than imposing a single behavior, the app lets you finely customize each setting.
For motion detection, you can enable or disable it globally, but you can also create specific time slots. For example, disable alerts during the day when you're home and gardening, then reactivate them automatically from 10 p.m. Each day of the week can have its own schedule.
The same goes for the automatic alarm. You probably don't want it to go off at 2 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, but at night or during extended absences, that's a different story. Schedules allow you to adapt the behavior of your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras to your lifestyle.
Notifications themselves can be enabled or disabled independently of recording. This means the Aosu Solar Cam D1 can continue to record all events even if you don't want to be alerted to every movement. This is handy when you're on vacation and don't want to check your phone every five minutes, while still maintaining a complete history.
Each notification received on your smartphone displays a small thumbnail of the event that triggered it. This allows you to judge at a glance whether it deserves your attention without having to open the app and load the full video. The Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras thus offer precise and flexible control, combining security, comfort, and autonomy.
Smart modes to simplify everyday life
The Aosu includes smart scenes that allow you to change the behavior of all your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras with a single tap. These are not complex home automation scenarios, but rather predefined profiles adapted to different situations.
Away mode enables all detections, notifications, and optionally the automatic alarm. Home mode, on the other hand, can disable everything or limit monitoring to certain areas. You can create your own modes according to your specific needs.
In concrete terms, before leaving for the weekend, a simple tap on "away" puts all your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras in maximum surveillance mode. When you return, a tap on "home" deactivates alerts to avoid receiving notifications every time you go out into the garden. It's simple, but incredibly effective for everyday use.
The app also offers a scheduled sleep mode. You set time slots during which the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras will not detect or record anything. This is useful for saving battery life and extending solar autonomy, especially during times when you know nothing important will happen.
In this configuration, Aosu cameras remain fully autonomous and intelligent, offering maximum comfort while ensuring reliable surveillance.
Two recording modes to optimize battery life
To best manage the battery life of your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras , Aosu offers two recording modes. The economy mode records 20 seconds for each detection, while the smart detection mode goes up to 60 seconds.
In practice, if you have good sunlight, Smart Detection mode is no problem and provides better event coverage. The 20 seconds of Economy mode can sometimes be too short to capture the entire event, especially if the detected person is moving slowly or remains in the field of view for a while.
We therefore recommend that you use the smart detection mode by default for your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras , and only switch to economy mode if you notice a regular decrease in battery power due to insufficient sunlight. In this configuration, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras combine solar autonomy and optimized recording for reliable surveillance in all circumstances.
Two recording modes to optimize battery life
To best manage the battery life of your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras , Aosu offers two recording modes designed to adapt to your usage. The economy mode captures 20 seconds at each detection, enough to get a quick overview, but sometimes too short if the detected person moves slowly or remains in the field of vision for a while.
Smart Detection mode records 60 seconds per event. In our tests, in good sunlight, this mode posed no battery life issues and offered much more complete coverage, ensuring you didn't miss anything important.
We therefore recommend that you use the smart detection mode by default on your Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras , and only opt for the economy mode if you regularly notice a drop in battery power due to insufficient sunlight. In this configuration, your cameras remain fully autonomous, while ensuring effective and reliable surveillance in all circumstances.
Integration with voice assistants
The Aosu Solar Cam D1 integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but with notable differences in the user experience. With Alexa, paired with an Echo Show device, you can request to see the live feed of your cameras on the screen, with almost imperceptible delay. Better yet, you can talk to people in front of the Aosu Solar Cam D1 camera via the Echo Show, handy if you're busy in another room. The Alexa smartphone app offers the same capabilities, making monitoring simple and immediate.
With Google Assistant and a Nest Hub, the live video feed remains accessible, but direct communication with the people in front of the Aosu Solar Cam D1 is not possible. Integration is therefore more limited and focused solely on viewing.
In both cases, voice control of camera rotation is not available, which would have been a real plus for total control. There is also no support for Home Assistant, a shortcoming that will disappoint fans of open source home automation. The Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras do not offer RTSP streaming or ONVIF compatibility, which prevents any integration into third-party systems. You therefore remain entirely dependent on the Aosu ecosystem, but with the simplicity and responsiveness that characterize these cameras.
Local storage and cloud option
The Aosu Solar Cam D1 's built-in 32GB storage is one of its biggest selling points. Unlike many competitors that require a cloud subscription to access the history, Aosu allows you to fully use everything without recurring fees.
In our use with two fairly busy cameras, these 32 GB allowed us to store approximately two months of recordings . Older recordings are automatically deleted as new events are captured, providing smooth, hands-free management. For most users, this is more than enough for effective home surveillance.
For those who want to go further, Aosu offers a paid cloud option . This allows you to store recordings for longer and access them from anywhere without having to go through the local database. Prices start at 0.12 cents per day , with different plans depending on the number of cameras and the desired retention period. You can upgrade to 30 days of cloud storage for an unlimited number of cameras.
The cloud also brings some interesting additional features, such as intelligent AI detection that can differentiate between humans, animals, and vehicles, as well as advanced event filtering and search. For our tests, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras proved more than sufficient, but the cloud option exists for those who need it.
The only downside is that the USB ports on the back of the base don't allow for storage expansion with a USB flash drive or external hard drive. A software upgrade could provide this functionality, but for now, the built-in storage and cloud option already cover most needs.
Behavior in the event of a power or internet outage
A crucial issue for any surveillance system is how to respond to power or connection problems. With the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras , the situation is handled differently depending on the type of outage.
In the event of a power outage , the base station shuts down and the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras become inoperable. They can no longer communicate with the base station, which acts as a relay, making it impossible to record or view feeds. This is the main weakness of this centralized system. To overcome this risk, a simple solution is to connect the base station to an inverter, thus ensuring continuous power supply during brief outages.
However, if only the internet is interrupted, the system continues to operate normally. Communication between the base station and the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras is via a Wi-Fi network independent of your internet box. Detections, recordings, and all local features therefore remain active. You simply won't receive notifications on your smartphone until the connection is reestablished, but all events will be saved and can be viewed as soon as the internet returns.
This hybrid operation gives the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras significant resilience, as internet outages are often more frequent than power outages. Surveillance thus remains reliable and autonomous in most situations, reinforcing their role as a complete security system.
Sharing access with family
If multiple members of your household want to access the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras Aosu app makes sharing quick and easy. From each camera's settings, you can invite other users by scanning a nearby QR code or sending an email invitation.
The invited person must create their own Aosu , after which they will be able to view live streams and recordings from the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras . This is convenient for a spouse, adult child, or any trusted person to also monitor the property in real time.
However, the rights are identical for all shared users. There is no granular permission system: all users can change settings, trigger the alarm or access recordings. Despite this limitation, sharing remains functional and efficient, allowing the whole family to benefit from the surveillance offered by the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras .
What could be improved
Despite all its qualities, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras have some limitations that are worth noting.
The fixed solar panel is often criticized. Not being able to orient it independently of the camera limits charging optimization, especially in areas with little sunlight or under a roof overhang. A joint allowing the angle to be adjusted by a few degrees would have been welcome. That said, in our tests, even a Aosu Solar Cam D1 camera never ran out of battery, so this is more of an improvement point than a critical flaw.
The lack of detailed printed instructions may come as a surprise. Aosu is going all-digital with an intuitive app, but less tech-savvy users, such as some older people, might struggle to connect the base via Ethernet without printed instructions. A quick, illustrated guide would have been reassuring, although an email sent when creating the account redirects you to online documentation and customer service.
The limited detection range of 14-15 meters may be insufficient to cover very large areas. It is therefore necessary to think carefully about the positioning of each Aosu Solar Cam D1 camera to effectively protect sensitive areas.
The inability to mount the camera beyond horizontal requires it to be installed high up to ensure a clear view. This isn't a drawback in itself, but it does require some tinkering and a ladder for optimal installation.
Finally, the lack of support for Home Assistant or any open protocol limits the system to its proprietary ecosystem. Home automation enthusiasts looking to centralize all their devices in a single interface will therefore be disappointed.
Overall, these points remain relatively minor compared to the reliability and autonomy offered by the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras , but they could be taken into account to further improve the user experience.
✔ Ultra simple installation: “Plug and Play” system without complex wiring.
✔ Reliable solar autonomy: Operational for several weeks even with limited sunlight.
✔ Impressive video and audio quality: 2K resolution, color night vision, clear sound (mic/speaker).
✔ Intelligent Detection: Differentiates between humans, animals or objects, reducing false alerts.
✔ 32GB Built-in Local Storage: No cloud subscription required (paid cloud option available).
✔ Inter-camera tracking and 360° rotation: Rotates for automatic tracking and complete coverage.
✔ Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant: Video stream viewable on connected screen.
✔ Built-in siren and white LED light: Effective deterrent features.
✔ Easy sharing with family via QR code or email.
✖ Fixed solar panel: Cannot be oriented independently of the camera to optimize charging.
✖ Lack of detailed paper instructions: May confuse users who are less comfortable with technology.
✖ Limited detection range: Approximately 14-15 meters (insufficient for very large areas).
✖ Limited rotation angle: The camera cannot point beyond horizontal (requires high installation).
✖ No open home automation integration: No Home Assistant, RTSP or ONVIF support (limited to the Aosu ecosystem).
The final verdict
After several weeks of intensive use, the Aosu Solar Cam D1 Classic has clearly won us over. It's probably the easiest outdoor video surveillance system to install that we've tested, while still delivering remarkable for this price range.
Solar autonomy delivers on its promises, even in average sunlight conditions. 32GB of local storage eliminates the need for a monthly subscription. Intelligent human detection limits false alarms, and automatic inter-camera tracking adds real value. **2K quality**, combined with color night vision , delivers usable images in all situations, day or night.
The two-camera kit is ideal for monitoring a medium-sized home. The price-performance ratio is in the upper middle of the market, with a cost of around €90 to €110 per camera depending on the promotions.
This system is for anyone who wants effective outdoor surveillance without the hassle of complex wiring or tedious DIY. The "Plug and Play" is truly kept: in just a few minutes, you have a functional and efficient .
The minor limitations mentioned above don't detract from the overall experience, which remains very positive . Aosu is establishing itself as a serious brand , with well-designed products and impeccable software support. After our weeks of testing with the Aosu Solar Cam D1 cameras, the verdict is simple: go for it, you won't be disappointed .
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