How to Install Google Nest Outdoor Camera with Solar Charger

We’re finally at the point where we’re ready to add permanent outdoor cameras to the Main House Fixer Upper here at One Hundred Acres Home. This post will show you the Google Nest Outdoor Camera with charging solar panels and how to install them. Also, check out the Main House page to see all the house projects and how far we’ve come on the remodel.

Below is a close up picture of the Google Nest Outdoor Camera’s that I’ll be installing. The house is white so these should blend in well.

I don’t want to bother with hard-wiring these cameras into a power source. Thankfully there are compatible solar panels available to charge these cameras. Nice. Now I don’t have to run wires in the attic!

Why Google Nest Outdoor Camera:

Here is a quick summary list of why I am choosing these Google Nest Outdoor cameras over so many other options out there:

• They are easy to install plus they look good and blend in well with the house.
• We already have a Google Home account for interior cameras so these will add seamlessly to our system.
• Google Home is a free app. No subscription or payment required to view live camera footage plus 3 hours of recorded data. You can opt for a subscription to view up to 60 days of footage.
• The cameras have night vision. I’m curious to see what wildlife comes around at night.
• They connect to our WiFi. This means no video wiring, and I can access the cameras through the Google Home App whenever I want to check on the house. I also can get alerts to my phone when the cameras sense any activity.
• Solar panel charging means no added electricity use and no running wires through the attic
• If for some reason the solar panels won’t charge for days, I can easily remove the camera and charge it’s internal battery.
• There is a built in speaker and mic that you can access on the Google Home app if you need to communicate with someone at your door while you are away.

Google Next Outdoor Camera Wall Mount:

Set up for these cameras is really simple. Below is photo of the wall mount bracket that is screwed to the wall.

Before you set the screws, make sure add the security cable with a loop held by one screw shown in the photo below. The camera head is held to the wall mount with a strong magnet. But this security cable is a backup in case something, like a bird, squirrel, or hooligan, knocks the camera off of magnet.

Next, connect the magnet base to the wall bracket see in the photo below.

Below is the magnet base attached to the wall and ready for the camera head.

Connect the security cable to the camera head per the photo below.

Them, simply place the camera on the wall magnet. The magnet will hold it in place as you rotate the camera to your desired view.

Solar Panel Mount:

Solar panels are an optional way to charge the Google Nest Outdoor Cameras. I don’t want to worry about charging them, and did not want to hard wire them, so I love the solar panel option. Below is a photo of the compatible solar panels I found on Amazon.com.

Installing these is easy too. They come with a bracket that you attach to a wall or roof eave shown in the photo below. I am installing the backet to the roof fascia board on the gable side where it will get the most sun.

Once the support bracket is screwed in place, simply slide the solar panel into the bracket top. It clicks in place.

Rotate the solar panel face to catch the most sun.

Finishing Touches:

There is a wire from the solar panel to the camera. So make sure you place them close enough that the wire reaches. Below is a phot of the mounted camera of the left window. If you look closely, you can see the draping white wire connected to the solar panel on the far right.

Let’s clean up that draping wire with some cable clips to keep it secure. Below is the wire from the solar panel around the underside of the roof.

Below is a close up of the cable clip along the exterior wall.

If you look closely you can see the cable running along the top trim of the wall.

Then, connect the solar panel cable to the camera. Here is a photo of everything connected. Use your Google Home app to view the cameras and adjust as needed. That’s it! Enjoy your new outdoor home cameras.