As more organisations and local governments prioritise efforts to reduce emissions whilst making communities safer, finding sustainable alternatives to traditional surveillance can not only help the environment, but also offer more reliable security in previously inaccessible areas. 

Surveillance systems need to be running 24/7 to be effective, but this can consume a lot of energy and data, which is particularly expensive for traditional systems on mobile networks. Running power cables to security systems can also be expensive and disrupt linear corridors with excavations that are avoidable. It’s worth considering more sustainable options to ensure security infrastructure can function without impacting the environment.

Turning to solar-powered surveillance means your security system can go off grid without sacrificing capability. Particularly in remote or hard to reach locations, going wireless can be the only practical solution in order to protect assets or property.

With advanced technology, Spectur security solutions can provide active surveillance to detect and respond to threats while relying on renewable energy and being less intrusive on the surrounding environment. 

Here are five reasons why switching to solar-powered surveillance can offer greener and more reliable security.

1. If the power goes out, your surveillance doesn’t stop

During natural disasters, such as floods or bushfires, electricity and internet infrastructure can be damaged. With power and network connectivity unavailable, traditional surveillance cameras cannot function, leaving communities vulnerable.

However, Spectur camera systems are completely wireless because they are powered with solar panels and a rechargeable battery. At full charge, each station of up to four cameras can last five days without sunlight. 

This means that no matter the weather conditions, Spectur systems can stay connected to provide eyes as a situation develops. For floods, this could be monitoring water levels and flow rates, or for bushfires, this could be broadcasting evacuation orders.

Authorities, local governments and first responders can remotely assess a situation while communicating with teams or people on the ground. In addition, Spectur cameras can maintain records of damage caused by natural disasters.

Having a system not dependent on the grid during an emergency can add a vital sense of reassurance for local authorities and communities.

2. Off-grid but still connected 

Since Spectur surveillance systems are wireless, they can be set up in remote and temporary locations. This is ideal for utilities, farms, parks or construction sites where it is not possible to set up a wired internet or power connection.

With Spectur cameras and sensors, you can still protect communities and assets in any location, from a remote beach to a temporary construction site, where there may be only one or two bars of data available. Spectur can even provide satellite connectivity for those locations with no mobile coverage at all.  

Even when it’s cloudy, Spectur cameras can still function thanks to a rechargeable battery. Power is stored in the battery to keep the system running even when there is not enough sunlight. 

Meanwhile, the system itself can be monitored and controlled remotely since Spectur platforms are cloud-based. Even if these cameras are set up in an area where there is no internet reception, each station has an in-built 3G/4G modem to ensure the system is always accessible for remote teams.

3. Portability

An added advantage of using solar-powered surveillance systems means they are self-contained and can be transported from one location to another. Being practical for both temporary and long-term installations, they can be transported by one person with a van.

If a unit needs to be moved every day, a Spectur system can be transported in minutes with a trailer. Alternatively, Spectur systems can be placed in a mobile base with “refillable weights” by hand or founded on engineering concrete block solution. For the concrete solution a small crane or Hiab is all that is needed to relocate and re-establish the system in a new location.

This flexibility that comes with Spectur’s completely wireless security solutions is largely thanks to the fact that the systems are solar-powered, and hence don’t need a cabled connection to function.

4. Better for the environment

Of course, when choosing between traditionally-powered and solar-powered surveillance, sustainability is a big concern. Using surveillance cameras that can be powered by clean, renewable energy means reduced power consumption, less excavation and installation costs and a lower environmental footprint.

Turning to a sustainable option like Spectur’s solar-powered cameras can help the transition towards net-zero. Organisations increasingly need to set and meet emissions reduction targets – and utilising sustainable solutions in surveillance is one area where quick gains can be found.

With no trenching, digging or excavating required to set up wires to connect these units to the grid, setting up a Spectur system leaves the surrounding environment undamaged.

5. Low cost 

Another benefit of using solar-powered surveillance systems is that they are low-cost to operate and even lower cost to install compared with cabled solutions. 

Using Spectur’s solar-powered cameras can reduce electricity bills and installation costs, as these cameras are generating their own power source. This also means that users can optimise the number and location of cameras on one property without excessive cost and other constraints related to cabling.

On top of that, solar panels require little maintenance and can last for decades, since they are robust, waterproof and designed to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions. 

Making the switch

The benefits of solar-powered surveillance systems go beyond sustainability. 

While they can help organisations, businesses and local governments meet their emission reduction targets by cutting down their power consumption, these systems can also offer more flexibility and longevity.

Spectur’s solar-powered camera systems can provide autonomous and cost-effective surveillance that can effectively respond to threats no matter the location or condition.

For more information on using Spectur’s smart solutions to enhance community safety, download our whitepaper Sense, think, act: how smart technology is making communities safer hereor call 1300 802 960 and talk to our team about finding the right solution for your unique onsite challenges.