Introduction: What the Hikvision DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 Solar Power Kit is and who its for
Hikvision DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 Solar Power Kitis a compact, self-contained off-grid power solution designed to run Hikvision outdoor cameras and small surveillance systems where mains power is unavailable or impractical. The kit pairs an 80 W photovoltaic panel with an integrated 360 Wh lithium battery pack and built-in battery management, delivering a rugged IP66-rated package intended for remote CCTV, temporary sites, agricultural monitoring and other outdoor surveillance needs.
With a suggested retail price of approximately $1,249 (check local resellers for current pricing and availability), the DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 targets installers, integrators and site owners who need a turnkey power accessory that simplifies deployment and reduces the time and cost associated with trenching or providing mains power.
Key features at a glance
- 80 W photovoltaic panelfor on-site solar charging.
- 360 Wh lithium battery pack(10.8 V, 4 × 90 Wh cells) with integrated battery management and protection.
- DC outputranging 9.6 V DC, up to 30 W via two Ø5.5 mm coaxial power plugs compatible with most Hikvision outdoor cameras.
- Weatherproof and rugged: IP66 enclosure, wind resistance up to 40 m/s (Level 12).
- Integration interfaces: RS-485 (half duplex) for linking to compatible camera kits or remote systems.
- Built-in protections: temperature protection, charge/discharge protection, low-battery sleep, remote wake-up and battery display.
Detailed specifications and practical benefits
The DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 is compact but thoughtfully specified. Below are the key technical details and the real-world benefits they deliver:
- Photovoltaic panel: 80 W Provides sustainable charging when sunlight is available. Under good peak-sun conditions (several hours of high irradiance), the panel can generate several hundred watt-hours per day, helping to keep the 360 Wh battery charged between cloudy days.
- Battery: 360 Wh (10.8 V) Offers a meaningful energy buffer for short-term autonomy. For example, if you power a 5 W camera, the battery alone could theoretically sustain it for dozens of hours; at maximum 30 W output the battery could provide roughly 12 hours of continuous operation (360 Wh / 30 W = 12 hours) before recharge is required. Real-world run times depend on camera draw, night-time IR usage and network equipment connected.
- Output: 9.6 V DC, max 30 W via two coaxial plugs Direct DC outputs avoid conversion inefficiencies and are optimized for most Hikvision outdoor cameras, simplifying cabling on-site.
- Integrated battery management provides charge and discharge protection, high/low temperature safeguards, low-battery sleep mode and remote wake-up. This increases battery longevity and reduces maintenance interventions.
- Battery life is rated at over 500 cycles, helping ensure several years of useful operation under typical duty cycles.
- Ingress protection: IP66 (IEC 60529), suitable for harsh weather exposure including heavy rain and dust.
- Operating temperature: charge -20 °C to 45 °C; discharge -20 °C to 60 °C suitable for many climates though extreme cold may reduce effective battery capacity.
- Wind resistance: up to 40 m/s (Level 12), making the kit appropriate for exposed pole or wall mounts in windy locations.
- Dimensions & weight: Assembled dimensions are compact for mounting (640.4 × 735.9 × 760 mm) and the unit weighs approximately 24 kg (about 30.0 kg including packaging), so plan for mounting hardware and an installer or two during placement.
Practical use cases and scenarios where this kit excels
The DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 was designed around remote surveillance scenarios. Typical deployments where it shines include:
- Rural CCTV and perimeter security: Farms, vineyards, livestock yards and remote property boundaries where trenching to power is costly or impractical. The kit provides days of backup and can recharge during daylight hours.
- Temporary installations: Construction sites, events, pop-up retail or temporary perimeter monitoring where quick setup and teardown are required without permanent power alterations.
- Agriculture and environmental monitoring: Remote sensors or cameras monitoring irrigation, crop growth, wildlife or equipment yards.
- Roadside, gateways and infrastructure: Powering cameras at remote entrances, rural intersections, trailheads or site access points where power conduits arent present.
- Supplementing powered sites: Use as a backup power source for modest installations to reduce risk during short mains outages.
Performance considerations & best practices
To get reliable service from any solar-kit-based solution, consider the following:
- Mount the solar panel where it receives maximum direct sunlight for most of the day (avoid heavy shading from trees or buildings).
- Match camera power draw and duty cycles to the kits output and battery capacity. Cameras with heavy IR use, heaters or active PTZ movement will draw more energy.
- Plan for seasonal variations: winter daylight hours and lower sun angle reduce available solar charge, so expected autonomy may decrease in some months.
- Factor in cable lengths and voltage drop; keep wiring runs appropriate for the DC voltage the unit provides.
Comparisons with similar product categories
When sizing a solution, it helps to understand how the DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 stacks up against alternatives:
Some vendors sell camera models with proprietary, integrated solar panels and battery packs designed as an all-in-one package. Those systems can be simpler to deploy but often lock you into a specific camera model and limit expandability. The Hikvision kits advantage is flexibility: it supplies standard DC outputs and an RS-485 interface, allowing you to power a range of Hikvision cameras and integrate into existing setups.
Full off-grid systems with larger panels, separate charge controllers, inverters and larger battery banks (hundreds to thousands of watt-hours) provide extended autonomy and can power multiple devices or network equipment. However, they are larger, costlier and require more complex installation. The Hikvision kit targets a middle ground: modest energy capacity in a packaged, weatherproof box optimized for camera-only or small surveillance loads.
UPS-style batteries or DC line interrupters provide short-term backup when mains power exists but outages occur. They dont recharge via sunlight. The DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 adds solar recharging and an integrated panel, removing reliance on mains entirely for remote sites.
Customer feedback and common impressions
There are no named public testimonials included with the official Hikvision product brief provided here. However, installers and site operators who evaluate similar kits typically highlight a few recurring themes. The following are representative, anonymized examples of the kind of feedback users often report after deploying solar power kits in the field:
- "Reliable remote uptime" Installers appreciate the simplicity: once positioned correctly, the unit keeps cameras running without daily attention for long periods in favorable weather.
- "Easy to integrate" Integrators note that standard DC connectors and RS-485 support make it straightforward to add to existing Hikvision deployments.
- "Great for temporary jobs" Construction and event managers like the quick deployment without the need for grid access or expensive temporary power hire.
- Common caveat Users remind buyers to size systems to the camera load and local sun hours; underpowered kits or poor panel siting can reduce autonomy.
When evaluating customer reviews, look for real-world run-time reports (camera model, average wattage, location and seasonal performance) to set accurate expectations.
Safety, compliance and warranty considerations
The kit contains lithium battery cells, so follow local regulations for transport, handling and disposal. The product brief references EMC, safety and environmental directives (RoHS/WEEE/REACH) and advises consulting the official datasheet for full approvals and region-specific certifications. Also confirm the warranty and after-sales support terms with your reseller or Hikvision representative prior to purchase.
Conclusion: Why the DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 is a compelling choice
The Hikvision DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 Solar Power Kit is a balanced, purpose-built solution for powering Hikvision outdoor cameras where mains power is unavailable or undesirable. Its strengths are a thoughtfully matched solar panel and battery capacity, built-in battery management, rugged IP66 weatherproofing and standard DC outputs that simplify camera connections. For installers and site owners who need a compact, reliable and integrated off-grid power accessory for single-camera or small multi-camera deployments, it offers a sensible middle-ground between simple battery backups and large off-grid solar systems.
As with any solar-powered system, success depends on proper sizing, panel placement and understanding the cameras energy needs. When those factors are accounted for, the DS-2XS6K01-C36S80 can substantially reduce installation time, remove the need for mains infrastructure and deliver dependable remote surveillance power for a wide range of applications.
