Build Your Own Off-Grid Security Camera System (Beginner Friendly)

This tutorial uses a Portable Solar Generator, Solar Panels, Eufy Cameras, and T-Mobile WiFi.

Billimarie Lubiano Robinson
6 min readJun 21, 2022

Overview

We’ve had issues with trespassers and thieves attacking our desert garden. As much as I dislike surveillance, I must concede to the power of having 24/7 access to a live-stream of your property when you are not there.

Originally, I wanted to build my own security camera and motion detection system using IoT components. Because of “The Shortage,” a lot of the build requirements were either unavailable or highly expensive. This is why I decided to choose a middle way: hacking together an electric system in order to install consumer-grade security cameras.

Components

Here are the components I’m using:

  • Eufy Doorbell (Battery)
  • Eufy Doorbell (Wired)
  • T-Mobile WiFi
  • Jackery 1500 (Portable Generator and 4 Solar Panels)

Why both a Battery Camera and a Wired Camera?

I’m testing out the longevity of both. In a year’s time (2023), I’ll update this tutorial with my findings.

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