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How to Connect the Tapo Solar Panel to Compatible Tapo Devices with Proper Waterproof Gaskets

When You Set Up
Last updated: October 9, 2026

The Tapo Solar Panel is designed for continuous outdoor use, eliminating the need to recharge the battery manually.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tapo Solar Panel is designed for Tapo battery-powered devices, providing nonstop power and eliminating the need to recharge the battery manually.
  • Solar panel efficiency depends on panel position and tilt angle — south-facing placement in the Northern Hemisphere or north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere with a 35°–45° tilt angle is recommended.
  • The connector type (Type-C or Micro USB) and whether you need a separate waterproof gasket depend on your specific camera model and solar panel hardware version.
  • Certain solar panel and camera combinations—such as the Tapo A201 V2 or Tapo A202 V1—feature integrated waterproof gaskets built directly into the connector and extension cable, so no separate gasket installation is required.
  • If you see a black O-ring on the connector, ensure it is properly installed before plugging the solar panel directly into the camera's charging port; remove it if connecting to a USB adapter cable or an extension cable.

Installation

Part 1: Position the Solar Panel

The solar panel's position and tilt angle significantly affect efficiency.

Step 1. Choose an unobstructed location where the solar panel receives the most sunlight year-round.

Step 2. Position the panel south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere or north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere. The recommended tilt angle between the panel and the horizontal ground is 35°-45°.

Step 3. Regularly wipe the panel to remove dust and debris.

Part 2: Mount the Solar Panel

Case 1: Tapo A201

Scenario 1: Mount Solar Panel Only

Step 1. Drill Holes

Apply the mounting template sticker to a solid and level wall surface. Drill three screw holes as shown on the template.

An illustration shows how to drill three mounting holes on the wall using a 6 mm (15/64 inch) bit, aligned with the screw hole positions of the mounting template.

Step 2. Remove Base Cover

Remove the base cover from the bracket.

Note: Only applicable to version 2.2 and above. If not, skip this step and proceed directly to Step 3.

An illustration shows how to remove the decorative base cover.

Step 3. Mount Bracket

Insert three wall anchors into the holes, then use the mounting screws to secure the solar panel bracket to the anchors.

An illustration shows how to fix the solar panel bracket to the wall using anchors and screws.

Step 4. Install Solar Panel

Slide the solar panel onto the mounting bracket until it clicks into place.

An illustration shows sliding the solar panel onto the mounted bracket. A close-up view highlights the back side of the panel, indicating how to align and slide it onto the bracket.

Step 5. Adjust Angle

Loosen the adjustable screw, tilt the solar panel to adjust the angle, and then tighten the adjustable screw.

Note: The recommended tilt angle between the panel and the horizontal ground is 35°-45°.

The illustration shows how to tilt the panel downward by 35° ~ 45°. A close-up view shows how to adjust the joint and tighten it by turning the knob.

Step 6. Install Base Cover

Install the base cover. If your solar panel comes with two screw caps, insert them into the upper screw holes until flush, as shown in the left image below.

The illustration shows how to attach the decorative base cover onto the solar panel bracket and insert screw caps if provided.

Scenario 2: Mount Solar Panel & Camera

Step 1. Drill Holes

Apply the mounting template sticker to a solid and level wall surface. Drill three screw holes according to the template.

An illustration shows how to drill three mounting holes on the wall using a 6 mm (15/64 inch) bit, aligned with the screw hole positions of the mounting template.

Step 2. Install Camera Bracket

Secure the camera bracket to the solar panel bracket using two screws. The third hole below secures the solar panel bracket.

An illustration shows how to secure camera brackets of different models to the solar panel bracket.Alt text: An illustration shows how to secure camera brackets of different models to the solar panel bracket.

Step 3. Mount Solar Panel Bracket

Insert three wall anchors into the holes, then use the mounting screws to secure the solar panel bracket over the anchors.

If your solar panel comes with two screw caps, insert them into the upper screw holes until flush, as shown in the left image below.

An illustration shows how to secure the integrated brackets to the wall. If screw caps are included, install them into the upper two holes of the solar panel bracket.

Step 4. Install Solar Panel

Slide the solar panel onto the mounting bracket until it clicks into place.

An illustration shows how to slide the solar panel onto the mounted bracket. A close-up view highlights the back side of the panel, indicating how to align and slide it onto the bracket.

Step 5. Adjust Solar Panel Angle

Loosen the adjustable screw, tilt the solar panel to adjust the angle, and then tighten the adjustable screw.

Note: The recommended tilt angle between the panel and the horizontal ground is 35°-45°.

The illustration shows how to tilt the panel downward by 35° ~ 45°. A close-up view shows how to adjust the joint and tighten it by turning the knob.

Step 6. Install Camera and Adjust Angle

Install the camera on the bracket and adjust the camera angle according to the camera's guide.

The illustration shows how to adjust the camera to the recommended viewing angle after mounting.

Note: Secure the camera to the bracket by tightening the bottom screw.

The illustration is a close-up view showing how to lock the camera in place by tightening the bottom screw.

Case 2: Tapo A200/A202

Step 1. Drill Holes

Apply the mounting template sticker to a solid and level wall surface. Drill three screw holes according to the template.

An illustration shows how to drill three mounting holes on the wall using a 6 mm (15/64 inch) bit, aligned with the screw hole positions of the mounting template.

Step 2. Mount Bracket

Insert three mounting anchors into the holes, then use the mounting screws to secure the bracket to the anchors.

An illustration shows how to secure the solar panel bracket to the wall.

Step 3. Install Solar Panel

Install the solar panel onto the mounting bracket as shown below.

An illustration shows different ways to install the solar panel onto the Tapo A200 and Tapo A202 brackets.

Step 4. Adjust Solar Panel Angle

Loosen the adjustable screw, tilt the solar panel to adjust the angle, and then tighten the adjustable screw.

Note: The recommended tilt angle between the panel and the horizontal ground is 35°-45°.

The illustration shows how to tilt the panel downward by 35° ~ 45°. A close-up view demonstrates adjusting the joint and tightening it by turning the knob.

Part 3: Connect the Solar Panel to the Tapo Camera

Step 1. Insert the waterproof gasket into the camera’s charging port. Ensure that the gasket is tightly sealed.

Step 2. Connect the solar panel by inserting the connector into the charging port until it fits snugly.

Model Number

Connector

Waterproof Gasket Installation

Connect Solar Panel to Camera

Tapo C400/TC80 V2

Type-C

The Type-C connector and extension cable for Tapo A201 V2/A202 V1 solar panel include integrated waterproof gaskets.

You do not need to install a separate waterproof gasket before connecting them to the camera.

Note: Tapo A200 & A201 V1 are not compatible with these camera models.

The illustration shows how to plug the solar panel connector directly into the camera’s charging port.

Tapo C410/C402/C403/TC82 V1/V1.2/V2

Tapo C411 V2

Type-C

The illustration shows how to install the waterproof gasket into the camera’s charging port.

Note: Tapo A200 is not compatible with these camera models.

The illustration shows how to insert the solar panel connector into the camera’s charging port.

Tapo C410/C411/C402/C403/TC82 V2.2

Type-C

The Type-C connector and extension cable for Tapo A201 V2/A202 V1 solar panel include integrated waterproof gaskets.

You do not need to install a separate waterproof gasket before connecting them to the camera.

Note: Tapo A200 & A201 V1 are not compatible with these camera models.

The illustration shows how to insert the solar panel connector into the camera’s charging port.

Tapo C400/C420 V1

Micro USB

The illustration shows how to install the waterproof gasket into the camera’s charging port.

Tapo A200 + Camera with Micro USB Port + Micro USB Waterproof Gasket

The illustration shows how to insert the Tapo A200 connector into the camera’s charging port with the waterproof gasket.

Tapo A201 + Type-C to Micro USB adapter + Micro USB Waterproof Gasket

The illustration shows how to insert the Tapo A201 connector into the camera’s charging port with the adapter and waterproof gasket.

Tapo C425/TC85 V1.0/V1.2

Micro USB

The illustration shows how to install the waterproof gasket into the camera’s charging port.

Tapo A200 + Camera with Micro USB Port + Micro USB Waterproof Gasket

The illustration shows how to insert the Tapo A200 connector into the camera’s charging port with the waterproof gasket.

Tapo A201 + Type-C to Micro USB adapter + Micro USB Waterproof Gasket

The illustration shows how to insert the Tapo A201 connector into the camera’s charging port with the adapter and waterproof gasket.

Tapo C425 V2

Type-C

The illustration shows how to install the waterproof gasket into the camera’s charging port.

Note: Tapo A200 can’t work with Tapo C425 V2.

The illustration shows how to insert the solar panel connector into the camera’s charging port.

Tapo C460 V1

Type-C

The illustration shows how to install the waterproof gasket into the camera’s charging port.

Note: Tapo A200 can’t work with Tapo C460 V1.

The illustration shows how to insert the solar panel connector into the camera’s charging port.

Step 3. If you connect a solar panel with a Type-C connector to Tapo C400 V1/C420 V1/C425 V1.0/V1.2, you need a Micro-USB adapter. Connect the solar panel connector to the USB adapter, and then connect it to the camera with the waterproof gasket.

For example, Connect Tapo A201 solar panel to Tapo C400 V1/C420V1/C425 V1.0/V1.2. (Tapo A201 + USB Adapter + Camera with Micro USB Port + Micro USB Waterproof Gasket)

  • If you see a black O-ring on the connector, ensure it's properly installed before inserting the connector directly into the camera’s charging port.
  • If you need to connect the solar panel connector to the USB adapter cable or extension wire, please remove the black O-ring first.

The illustration shows how to connect the solar panel connector to the adapter and add one of the two waterproof gasket options.

Note: In extreme weather or environments, such as intense sunlight or high-salt, alkaline areas, wrap extra tape around the extension cord's connection points. This will help keep them better waterproof and protected.

Common Questions

Q1: What should I do if Tapo Solar Panel fails to charge the Battery Cameras?

You may refer to this FAQ for troubleshooting suggestions: https://www.tapo.com/faq/632/

To learn more about each function and configuration, please visit the Download Center to download the manual for your product.

Related FAQs

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