Solving the Smart Lock Battery Conundrum: A Step Forward?

The world of smart locks has long been plagued by a frustrating problem: battery life. Unlike other smart home devices, which can be plugged in or rely on energy-harvesting technologies, smart locks have had to contend with finite batteries that require regular recharging or replacement. This limitation has kept many consumers from adopting these convenient and secure solutions for their homes.

A new generation of solar-powered smart locks is now emerging, promising to alleviate this problem once and for all. Two such products are the Desloc V150 Plus and the Lockin Veno Solar, which boast integrated solar panels that can recharge their batteries indefinitely. We put both locks through a series of tests to determine which one comes out on top.

One of the most striking differences between the two locks is their price. The Desloc starts at $169 on Kickstarter but can cost as much as $399.99 in retail, making it out of reach for many budget-conscious consumers. In contrast, the Lockin Veno Solar is available now and boasts a significantly lower retail price of around $199.

Both locks share similar specs, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, support for popular smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Home, and BHMA Grade 3 deadbolt certification. However, the Lockin Veno Solar has an edge when it comes to Matter support – a feature that enables seamless integration with modern smart home ecosystems.

From a design perspective, both locks are functional but unremarkable. While neither is particularly sleek or luxurious, they share a similar aesthetic: a bulky black rectangle made of metal and plastic. The Desloc V150 Plus has a slightly more durable build quality, with an IP65 rating for weather resistance that surpasses the Lockin’s IP53 rating.

Installation was relatively straightforward for both locks – simply remove the existing deadbolt and locking mechanism, then thread the new lock through the base plate. This process is especially simple compared to more complex smart home installations.

The app experience varies between the two locks. The Desloc V150 Plus runs on its own app, which provides an intuitive interface for managing fingerprints and faces, as well as real-time access logs and battery information. However, the Lockin Smart app is not far behind – offering remote locking and unlocking capabilities, among other features.

What sets the Lockin Veno Solar apart in this regard? Its support for Matter technology enables seamless integration with modern smart home platforms, making it easier than ever to incorporate your smart lock into your existing ecosystem. While the Desloc’s app is easy to use, the absence of a battery gain chart is a notable omission.

The emergence of solar-powered smart locks like the Desloc V150 Plus and the Lockin Veno Solar marks an important step forward in the development of these convenient and secure solutions. No longer will consumers have to worry about battery life or recharging – thanks to integrated solar panels that can recharge batteries indefinitely.

As more manufacturers begin to incorporate similar technologies into their products, we may see a shift away from traditional battery-powered locks in favor of more innovative solutions. These new locks are certainly convenient and secure but also raise important questions about energy efficiency and sustainability – topics that will undoubtedly become increasingly relevant as the smart home market continues to evolve.

The Lockin Veno Solar emerges as the clear winner in our testing, thanks to its affordability, robust features, and seamless integration with modern smart home ecosystems. As we look ahead to the future of smart locks, one thing is certain: these innovative products are here to stay – and they’re changing the game for consumers and manufacturers alike.