There are so many features of Solar powered CCTV Camera, which we didn’t know earlier. When security cameras need to function in outside situations, there are two important criteria; there is the power source for the camera, there is network existing for data transfer. IP cameras can broadcast video signals by wired Ethernet connection (e.g. cat5e, fibre), wireless (4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, or Access Point). For the power source, customers might consider employing the solar panel + battery option. Under some difficult situations like no electricity, no Wi-Fi, using a solar-powered 4G LTE security camera is a viable solution.
Compared to traditional security cameras, solar-powered security cameras have three key characteristics including low power consumption, solar panel design, built-in rechargeable battery. It also gives a great amount of coverage. We’re going to explore these three features in detail.
Features of Solar Powered CCTV Cameras
Low electricity consumption
Using solar panel + rechargeable battery, the camera design has to account for the power consumption, this extremely significant element. Though it’s the task that the engineers need to accomplish. And it has no direct association with end-users, knowing this helps end-users to choose suitable products for their applications.
When the security camera is operational, the power consumption varies from working condition. For instance, whether the camera is functioning in regular, standby, night vision, PTZ, video recording, the power consumption is varied. Solar panel + battery has limited capacity, can’t function the way the traditional cameras do. Henceforth, it’s vitally important to lessen power consumption when cameras perform under diverse status. Generally, the solar-powered security cameras function under status may be classified into three modes: standby (ultra-low power), low power consumption, full power consumption.
Standby (extremely low power)
Under this situation, the security camera stops all fundamental operations (remote access/view, local video recording), only keeps the network connection, the camera image system is in sleep mode, the average power consumption is roughly 400mW – 700mW.
Low Power Consumption
End-users may wake up the camera using the app, or built-in motion sensor (Passive Infrared sensor, doppler radar) to wake up the camera, the camera will enter into operational condition.
Remote viewing of real-time video requires constant network connection (Wi-Fi or 4G LTE), a security camera is in operating mode, the power consumption increases. However, if there is no remote access, the camera continues in standby mode. When aberrant behaviour happens in the monitored region, if there is no TF memory card video recording, NVR video recording and cloud storage, then it becomes pointless to install the cameras. To address this problem is quite easy, adding an intrusion detecting sensor that allows the camera to identify anomalous activity and wakes up to capture the footage and provide push alerts concurrently.
Considering the necessity of low power consumption, the human movement sensor is commonly a Passive infrared motion sensor or microwave doppler radar. Some cameras may utilize PIR + microwave dual motion sensors design to boost the accuracy of motion detection.
Full Power Consumption
Full power is a relative word when compared to low power. It signifies the camera functions the way ordinary cameras do. Under full power mode, it may enable all features.
Solar Panel
A solar panel transforms sunlight into energy, the power may be utilized for the operation of the camera in the daytime and replenish the battery. The solar panel has up to 25 years lifespan and the conversion rate is around 20 percent.
Battery
Solar panel powered security cameras commonly employ 18650 or 21700 type rechargeable Lithium batteries. The maximum capacity for 18650 batteries can not exceed 3400mAH. A single 21700 battery can support 5000mAH capacity. The voltage is 3.7V, although security cameras function with 5V or 12V, which may be supplied by utilizing additional batteries linked in series or in parallel. For example, one solar panel powered security camera utilizes a battery pack consisting of 6 pieces of 18650 battery. The maximum capacity reaches 20000mAH/3.7V.
Among the solar powered CC camera features, the battery is crucial. Professional solar powered security cameras normally use lead-acid batteries. Since their cost is much cheaper than utilizing 18650 Lithium batteries, while the capacity is greater. Unlike low weight 18650 batteries, a Lead-acid battery is hefty, not appropriate for devices in the consumer market.