You can never invest too much in your family’s safety. For many years, households and businesses have invested in security guards, alarm systems, and camera surveillance to protect their families and belongings. It has become part of our everyday life. Even having a security system installed can increase the market value of a property.
It comes with no surprise that installing an entire security system to your property can take a lot of electricity. Cords have to be laid out and wired to all cameras. If you are looking to invest in an eco-friendlier solution, then considering to purchase a solar powered security camera is a great option.
When shopping around for the right kind of product, you have to consider a few determining factors. Find our complete buyer’s guide down below to guide you throughout the process.
Solar Panel vs Electricity Driven Security Camera Systems
Using solar power is a great alternative when you want an eco-friendlier approach to your lifestyle. Check out this article on how you can increase solar power by connecting your security cameras to a panel.
The biggest difference between the two power-driven systems is that one requires electricity and the other one doesn’t. By using higher-grade panels, sunlight is turned into DC (direct currents). Inverters then change direct currents into an AC (alternating currents), this is utilized to provide power to rechargeable batteries. The cameras use the power stored in the battery to give life to the system.
Compared to an electrically driven system that needs to be connected to a power outlet. Cords and wires are laid beneath the ground or on the side of the home’s walls to the system. Whenever there is a power outage, the system will shut down. A great thing about solar powered camera system devices is that they can work 24/7. No matter whether the area’s electricity is cut, the system will continue to monitor.
One might wonder whether the camera system will work even during foggy and cloudy weather. The answer is ‘yes’. Even though a solar panel will perform to its maximum when facing direct and strong sunlight, it can still function when it’s a bit cloudy. A solar powered wireless security camera can use the reserve power stored in the battery to keep on working. This gives an owner 24/7 surveillance even if there’s an electrical outage.
What to consider when buying a solar-powered security camera
Here are a few key factors you have to consider when shopping around for this kind of device for your urban, suburban, or rural property.
1. Solar Panel
Luckily, solar panels have a very long life. Most high-quality panels come with a 25-year warranty. Within this 25 years, the model work to an optimum level. After 25 years, it can produce at least 80% of what it originally could.
As a buyer one has to consider the amount of electricity that it can generate to power the camera system. This is usually determined by weather conditions, the tilt angle, and the amount of sun exposure. It is recommended that owners place the panel facing south for maximum sun exposure.
Make sure that the panel that comes with the model is big enough to power the battery and that it has a decent warranty.
2. Footage Storage
It is important to find a model that allows for easy footage storage. Cameras will record when they detect movement or they will record throughout the evening, depending on your personal preference.
Wireless camera systems can come with SD card storage that allows you to go through footage later on. Another option available is to store all video footage on a cloud service. Once the footage is saved, it can be accessed through any device with an active internet connection.
To ensure quality video footage, invest in a camera that has at least a 1080p full HD resolution capacity.
3. Battery Size
Unfortunately, no solar-powered device can work without a battery. In case sunlight isn’t as bright and there are a few cloudy days, you’ll need a battery that is big enough to power through. Batteries are usually rechargeable and can be covered with a specific holder or container that will ensure it remains dry outside.
Typically, a battery should be able to produce at least ten times the volume of the optimum output of the solar panel itself. This is important, because if it can’t do this then the battery might be damaged due to overcharging.
Suppliers will provide batteries or will be able to suggest the best rechargeable units for your newly bought system. It is wise to invest in a back-up battery pack, especially if you live in a remote area away from shops.
4. Ease of Installation
If you are going to install the entire system yourself, you need to make sure that it will be easy to do so. Luckily, most models are wireless, eliminating the installation struggle with different cords and wires.
There are so many benefits to installing video surveillance at your home, go to this link for a list of 25 pros that cannot be missed: https://www.coxblue.com/25-benefits-and-reasons-for-business-security-cameras-and-video-surveillance/
5. Different types for different areas
If you live in an area where there is decent wireless internet available, you can invest in a Wi-Fi solar powered security camera. By uploading specific software onto your mobile or portable device, the system will be able to alert you immediately when there is movement in the area or not.
Not to worry if you don’t have a great internet connection, because then you can invest in an SD card slot system that records when there is motion. You’ll be able to view footage through the SD card on your device whenever you have time.
To find the best solar powered security cameras on the market you can consult credible manufacturers and reviews from previous clients. One thing is for sure, investing in one of these systems is definitely a step in the right direction.
