Solar CCTV systems offer not just personal security for your home and loved ones, but they function wirelessly and use the sun to generate free energy, letting owners take an item off their power bill. Yet, there have always been questions, common myths, and misconceptions about how solar power works, like the solar saving will never pay off the initial buying price, the camera shuts down in the dark, and that the entire setup is simply impractical.
Solar CCTV systems are security cameras that draw their energy from solar panels installed above or near the camera. Here are some common myths and misconceptions about solar CCTV, and the truth behind them.
Solar CCTV Doesn’t Work In the Dark
A common myth about solar CCTV and solar powered equipment in general is that it is completely and totally reliant on bright, sunny weather to function properly, and a cloudy day or a long winter night means the camera will shut down and leave the watching area vulnerable, if the camera is even on at all after the sun sets.
Solar CCTV still works in the dark and in cloudy weather. Solar panels can still generate a reduced amount of energy in cloudy weather as UV rays are still beaming through the clouds. Studies indicate certain types of cloudy weather will actually focus and increase energy production from solar panels. Solar security cameras will keep running through the night with a rechargeable backup battery.
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Solar Security Cameras Don’t Pay For Themselves
As a form of advanced technology, solar devices, such as solar CCTV, are considered to be very expensive and pricey to install and maintain, are often wireless and can be controlled from wireless devices and it may take years for a solar CCTV to have ‘paid for itself’, if a solar powered camera even can.
The cost of installing and maintaining a solar CCTV can vary depending on multiple factors such as the company installing your CCTV system, the price of the camera, and the solar panels wattage. Solar in general is generally a good-energy saving option, as not only can a device like a solar security camera power itself, but it can also generate power without adding to a separate energy bill, in addition to possible rebates and incentives solar energy may receive from the state.
However, it is important to keep in mind that cheap or low-quality solar panels may not provide decent energy, and won’t be worth the investment. According to Australia’s Clean Energy Council, savings from using solar can vary further depending on the state, tariffs and general energy consumption.
Solar CCTV is Impractical
On top of the common myth that a solar powered camera will simply switch off at night is a belief in general impracticality, like there are too many moving parts or complex wires and gears attached to a solar CCTV system for it to be practical, and the first moment it rains the whole system will short circuit.
A Solar CCTV camera functions perfectly naturally in all conditions, including cloudy weather, rain and darkness. The technology is not a complex weave of wires and computer systems, it is just a camera powered by solar.
An additional practicality of CCTV that many may miss is, solar security cameras are wireless and, naturally, do not need to be connected to a power source. This makes installing them much easier than a wired system and it means they can be placed in any location that is in direct contact with sunlight. Additionally, Solar technology in general is typically low maintenance, as it only needs cleaning of dirt and debris most commonly.
Solar CCTV is ‘Set and Forget’
Another myth is that, because a CCTV camera is essentially supporting itself with solar energy and is not connected or reliant on another source of power, the camera’s owner just needs to set it in place one, and then the camera will not need to be regularly serviced or maintained.
Like any technology, solar security cameras should be regularly checked by qualified professionals to ensure they are functioning properly and that there could be no issues with the camera later on. The solar panels for the camera should also be cleaned regularly for maximum sunlight absorption.