Review: The Desloc V150 Plus Smart Lock Promises Endless Power via Solar Technology

The modern smart home is often hampered by the tedious task of recharging devices, a reality that feels increasingly archaic. The Desloc V150 Plus, a bold new entrant in the home security market, aims to eliminate this maintenance headache by integrating solar power directly into its design. After spending time testing the unit, it is clear that while the ambition is laudable, the execution has both clear benefits and notable limitations.

Design and Installation

At first glance, the Desloc V150 Plus appears as a standard, sleek deadbolt replacement. However, it distinguishes itself with a prominent 4.8-inch solar panel integrated into the exterior housing. Because this panel takes up the space usually reserved for a traditional keypad, users will need to rely on biometric entry methods. The unit features both a fingerprint scanner located at the bottom and a dual-camera system for facial recognition at the top. The interior portion is fairly traditional, housing a thumb turn and the main battery compartment, though the latter is something you should rarely need to access.

Installation follows the standard procedure for a full deadbolt replacement. Once the hardware is mounted and the door is closed, the system runs a calibration routine to map the bolt travel. The process is straightforward, and the unit boasts an IP65 weather-resistance rating, ensuring it can handle various environmental conditions.

App Performance and Smart Home Integration

Connecting the V150 Plus to your home network is managed through the dedicated Desloc app. The software allows for convenient management of access logs and battery status—providing a fascinating look at the solar energy intake. A dedicated 'Landlord mode' is also available, which could prove useful for rental property management by organizing tenant access profiles through a calendar-based interface.

However, there is a significant drawback: the lack of Matter support. Despite being a modern device, it currently only integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This limitation prevents it from being part of broader smart home ecosystems, such as Apple HomeKit, which is a missed opportunity for a device in this price bracket.

Real-World Performance and Battery Life

The core promise of the V150 Plus is its 'never-recharge' functionality. During my testing, I found this to be largely accurate. Even starting with a partial charge, the internal 10,000 mAh battery maintained or increased its charge levels throughout the week, provided the lock received a few hours of daily sunlight. It is worth noting that for those in low-light environments, a USB-C port is included for manual emergency charging.

While the battery system is a highlight, the biometric speed is less impressive. The facial recognition, while undeniably cool, often feels slower than the fingerprint scanner. Consequently, many users will likely find themselves using the face scanner as a secondary convenience rather than a primary method of entry.

Verdict

The Desloc V150 Plus is a fascinating piece of hardware that successfully delivers on its promise of solar-powered convenience. While the hardware is stylish and the solar charging is genuinely effective, the slow biometric response and the absence of the Matter standard hold it back from being a top-tier contender. If solar capability is your primary requirement, the Lockin Veno Solar may currently offer a more feature-complete and future-proof experience.