One solar powered smart lock finally solves the battery problem

Tom’s Guide recently tested two solar assisted smart locks that embed panels into the hardware so you don’t have to chase batteries or carry a key. The aim is simple: let the lock generate power and keep working even when you forget to swap cells or recharge. The Desloc V150 Plus and Lockin Veno Solar both promise this perk, yet they diverge in price, practicality, and one key factor that matters to shoppers: value.

Pricing and market timing show a clear split. The Desloc V150 Plus starts at a Kickstarter price of 169 dollars, but the retail price climbs to as high as 399.99 dollars. It is slated for retail availability in August, which means early adopters can expect a premium upcharge as the product scales. By contrast, the Lockin Veno Solar is available now and comes in two biometric variants, face scanning and palm vein scanning. Both variants are priced at 199 dollars, and there is a bundled option with a door handle for 259.99 dollars. The head to head comparison is telling: Lockin’s solar lock undercuts the Desloc on street price while offering similar core capabilities, leading to the declared winner of the test.

What you get for the price is a clean split between form and function. Both devices are described as deadbolts, a common configuration for exterior doors, which keeps installation familiar for homeowners upgrading from traditional locks. The Lockin Veno Solar adds a biometric flavor with two scan options, while Desloc sticks to a more conventional model without the same biometric emphasis in the tested configuration. In practice, that means users who prize smoother access via biometrics can lean into Lockin’s cheaper package without sacrificing the solar advantage. The takeaway is practical: if you want solar power without breaking the bank, Lockin’s solar option is the more compelling choice both financially and feature wise.

Total cost considerations are straightforward once you map out the options. Desloc V150 Plus carries a wide price delta from 169 dollars on Kickstarter to 399.99 dollars in retail, with August retail availability potentially bringing some price friction for early buyers. Lockin Veno Solar centers on a 199 dollar price for either model, and 259.99 dollars if you opt for the door handle bundle. There are no subscription fees highlighted in the review, which means the long run is about the upfront spend rather than ongoing costs. Still, the broader market for solar and biometric locks is evolving, and price pressure may shift as more players enter this space.

The catch in this solar lock romance is twofold. First, privacy concerns loom around biometric access methods. The Lockin Veno Solar offers face and palm vein options, which can complicate how data is stored and managed, raising questions about who has access to biometric information and where it resides. Second, the Kickstarter path that fuels Desloc’s initial price points can introduce supply and pricing uncertainty. Early backers might face delays or premium pricing as the product scales, a risk that pure retail buyers do not face with a standard purchase.

From an industry practitioner lens, solar power is a clear efficiency win for exterior hardware, but it is not a magic wand. Expect real world results to hinge on a couple of factors: weather and panel performance in non-ideal light, the lock’s behavior during prolonged darkness, and how biometric data is handled to avoid future privacy headaches. Also note the channel dynamics: a Kickstarter launch can seed rapid early adoption but may create availability gaps later, whereas a standard retail release tends to smooth out price volatility but might come with longer waits. For now, Lockin Veno Solar presents a compelling balance of price and features, effectively tipping the scale in a field where long battery life has been a pain point.