Tapo SolarCam C402 Review: A Solar Security Camera for Dog Owners

Before adding security cameras to our backyard, we were dealing with a genuinely stressful problem: our gates and even our shed were being opened overnight. When you live with a dog that spends just as much time in the backyard as they do in the house, that’s not just annoying — it’s dangerous. One open gate is all it takes for the dog to wander into the wrong place.

That situation is what made us decide to finally add outdoor cameras to the yard.

When TP-Link sent us the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit to try, the timing couldn’t have been better. I installed it pointed directly at our gates so I could check that everything was secure before letting Niya out and make sure no one was entering the yard while she was outside.

Why Backyard Gate Monitoring Matters for Large Dogs

If you live with a dog that uses your backyard, you already know:

• Gates must stay closed
• People don’t always latch them properly
• You can’t always see every corner of your yard

Our cameras are positioned directly at our backyard gates so I can:

• Confirm gates are closed before letting Niya outside
• Monitor them while she’s in the yard
• Make sure no one enters the yard unexpectedly while she’s out

That peace of mind alone has been invaluable.

An Unexpected Safety Concern We Didn’t See Coming

After installing the cameras, we actually uncovered something even more unsettling.

We started noticing a man wandering the alley behind our property, carrying a grocery bag and shaking it near the fences, clearly trying to get dogs to come closer. It wasn’t just Niya — he seemed interested in any dog he could get to approach the fence.

Every time I or one of our neighbors has seen him in person, he becomes incredibly awkward and leaves the area quickly. That kind of behavior immediately sets off alarm bells. I can’t say what his intentions are, but when someone is actively trying to lure dogs toward a fence with food, it’s not something you ignore.

This is where the Tapo cameras became more than just a convenience — they became a layer of real security.

Now I can see exactly what’s happening in the alley at any time. If someone is lingering near the fence, trying to interact with Niya, or behaving strangely, I know about it right away. That peace of mind is priceless when you have a dog who trusts people by default and doesn’t understand when something might not be safe.

Instead of worrying about what I can’t see behind the yard, I can pull up the camera feed and check in seconds.

First Impressions & Setup Experience

One of the biggest advantages of the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit is that it’s completely wireless and solar powered. There’s no need to run cords across the yard or drill near power outlets — which is especially important in dog spaces.

Setup was straightforward:

• Mount the camera
• Position the solar panel for sunlight
• Connect through the Tapo app

Within minutes, we had live footage of our gates accessible right from my phone.

What I Love About the Tapo SolarCam C402

Solar Power That Actually Works

The included solar panel keeps the camera charged without daily attention. As long as it’s positioned well, the battery stays topped off — no climbing ladders to recharge, no cords for Niya to investigate.

Clear Video, Day & Night

The 1080p HD video quality makes it easy to see exactly what’s happening at the gate. At night, the camera still provides clear footage, which is critical during early mornings or late evenings when Niya wants to go out.

Smart Motion Alerts

Motion alerts notify me if someone approaches the gate or enters the yard. I’ve customized activity zones so I’m not alerted every time the wind moves, but I am notified when it matters.

This has been especially helpful when:

• Someone forgets to close a gate fully
• I want to check in while I’m away from home

Built to Handle Real Weather — Not Just “Nice Weather”

The Tapo SolarCam C402 doesn’t just look weather-ready on paper — it proved itself in real life.

We had these cameras installed during one of the wildest summers we’ve had in years, including severe thunderstorms, multiple tornado outbreaks, and even a land-based storm that reached Category-3 hurricane–equivalent winds. It was the kind of weather that sends patio furniture flying and makes you wonder what’s still going to be standing the next morning.

Through all of it — heavy rain, high winds, lightning, and nonstop summer storms — the cameras kept running. They stayed mounted, stayed powered, and kept recording. I didn’t have to go outside to reset them, reattach anything, or worry that they had gone offline after every storm.

For anyone who lives in a place where weather is unpredictable (or downright dramatic), that kind of durability matters. When you’re relying on cameras to help protect your dogs and your property, you need something that doesn’t give up when Mother Nature throws a tantrum.

Why I Ended Up Buying More

After testing the gifted camera for a while, it became clear how useful it was — not just for one gate, but for the entire backyard. That’s when I decided to purchase additional Tapo SolarCam units myself.

Having multiple cameras allows us to:

• Cover every gate
• Monitor blind spots
• Feel confident letting Niya enjoy outdoor time safely

I don’t buy more of a product unless it genuinely earns its place in our home, and this one did.

A Few Honest Considerations

While we’ve had a great experience, it’s important to be realistic:

• Solar performance depends on placement — proper sunlight matters
• Wi-Fi signal strength is important for smooth performance
• Motion sensitivity may need fine-tuning in busy outdoor areas

These weren’t deal-breakers for us, but they’re worth keeping in mind.

Perfect for Dog Owners

Whether you’re a Newfoundland owner, breeder, or just someone with a dog-friendly yard, this camera is especially useful for:

• Monitoring gates and fence lines
• Ensuring dogs stay safely contained
• Keeping an eye on outdoor spaces without constant supervision
• Avoiding cords, chargers, and complicated installations

Purchase the Tapo SolarCam C402 on Amazon

If you’re ready to add this same peace of mind to your own backyard, you can find the TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit on Amazon.

I recommend purchasing through Amazon because:

• You get fast shipping
• And easy returns if needed

After using the gifted unit and then buying additional cameras myself, I feel confident recommending this setup to fellow dog owners — especially anyone who needs to monitor gates, fences, or blind spots in their yard.

Check current price & availability on Amazon here

(This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support Love Newfoundlands and allows me to continue creating free, breed-specific content for dog owners.)

Final Thoughts

The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit earned its place in our backyard — not just because it was gifted, but because it proved itself useful, reliable, and practical for real dog-owner needs.

If you’re looking for a solar-powered outdoor camera to help keep your dog safe while enjoying the yard, this one is absolutely worth considering.