This Solar-Powered 4K PTZ Camera Surprised Me In Almost Every Way

The latest Tapo C660 kit from TP-Link is a very good 4K PTZ security camera setup. With a supplied solar panel and simple assembly, this camera delivers such fantastic video quality that I was honestly blown away.

Credit: TP-Link

8/10

Brand

TP-Link Tapo

Resolution

4K 8MP (3840×2160)

Connectivity

Dual-band Wi-Fi

Application Compatibility

Tapo

The TP-Link Tapo C660 kit includes a 4K PTZ outdoor security camera with a bundled solar panel to provide infinite power wherever you need it. Dual-band Wi-Fi lets you connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks. The on-device AI works well and with local and cloud storage options available, you’ll never be left without a recording.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Crystal clear 4K images
• Great battery life with included solar panel
• Simple setup
• Color night vision

• No HomeKit or Matter support
• No RTSP or ONVIF stream

Pricing and availability

The TP-Link Tapo C660 Kit 4K Solar Camera costs $170 and is available on Amazon, TP-Link, and B&H.

Setup couldn’t be simpler

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

I’ve installed many Wi-Fi security cameras before, and most have fairly simple workflows. TP-Link is no exception, with the C660 kit being extremely simple to set up in the Tapo app.

On top of that, the assembly process itself was also quite simple. This camera supports multiple mounting methods and I chose to mount it on the side of my house. The supplied screws worked perfectly and TP-Link even puts wall anchors in the package if you need to mount it on something other than a stud.

I was easily able to point the solar panel toward the sun on the right side of the camera. However, I could have positioned it anywhere with the ball head it is mounted on.

Once the camera was up and running, I went through the settings and configured everything the way I liked it. Right now I’m using cloud storage (as the camera comes with a trial of the TP-Link service), but there is also a microSD card slot for local recording.

The Tapo C660 handles on-device AI detection, which worked well in my experience. There’s even a movement tracking feature, which is perfect as a home security solution.

I’ve never seen a solar camera this sharp

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

Among all the security cameras I’ve used, the TP-Link Tapo C660 definitely sets the bar for video quality. With full 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, you’ll be able to view your yard, driveway, or anywhere else around your home in excellent quality.

There’s an 18x digital zoom, if you need it. With two built-in LED floodlights and full-color night vision as well as 850nm IR LEDs with a 40-foot range, you’ll be able to view your yard day or night with ease.

Honestly, I was surprised at how crispy the food was one night when it was getting dark outside. My own eyes didn’t see things as clearly as the camera itself.

The nearly 360-degree field of view is pretty breathtaking. I love everything I can see with the Tapo C660. The only problem I have with the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) feature is that I feel like it doesn’t tilt high enough. I mounted it on my deck and it captures the ground very well, but it struggled to tilt high enough to record the full faces of those standing on the deck, even though I mounted it higher than eye level.

Uninterrupted power, all day and all night

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

I already have a Wyze Battery Cam Pro with a solar panel in my backyard and have had an on-and-off relationship with it. As in, sometimes it’s on, and sometimes it’s off. The solar panel is hit or miss and the battery often dies even though we’ve had a full day of sun at my house.

The Tapo C660 is not like that at all. I don’t know if I’ve seen it below 100% even once. Whether it’s late at night and I’ve repeatedly turned on the projector, used the PTZ function, or triggered multiple events.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the battery and solar panel here. Over time the battery will definitely diminish, but it starts so strong that it doesn’t worry me at all.

I wish TP-Link offered more integrations

The Tapo C660 integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but that’s it. No Matter integration or HomeKit link is available here. With more and more devices adopting Matter, I was really hoping to see this here.

Likewise, no RTSP or ONVIF feeds are available on the camera, meaning you’re limited to using Alexa, Assistant, or the Tapo app itself. It’s not a huge inconvenience if you use Alexa or Assistant, but HomeKit homes definitely get left behind.

This might be fixed in a future update, and I’d like to see TP-Link add at least RTSP support to the camera. I completely understand that this would consume more battery power, but I would be willing to sacrifice that to fit it into my NVR setup.

Should you buy the TP-Link Tapo C660?

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

When it comes to solar-powered 4K PTZ security cameras, the TP-Link Tapo C660 kit is actually pretty solid in every way. It’s pretty mid-tier with a price of $170 and offers great features and video quality.

For comparison, the eufy SoloCam S340, which only has a 3K sensor, costs $200. REOLINK’s Argus PT Ultra 4K Solar Security Camera costs $150, but doesn’t come with namesake TP-Link.

I think the Tapo C660 kit is a great buy if you are looking for a high quality solar powered security camera. The video footage and photos look fantastic day or night, the battery is great, and the app is easy to use.

Credit: TP-Link

8/10

Brand

TP-Link Tapo

Resolution

4K 8MP (3840×2160)

Connectivity

Dual-band Wi-Fi

Application Compatibility

Tapo

The TP-Link Tapo C660 kit includes a 4K PTZ outdoor security camera with a bundled solar panel to provide infinite power wherever you need it. Dual-band Wi-Fi lets you connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks. The on-device AI works well and with local and cloud storage options available, you’ll never be left without a recording.