How to install solar CCTV camera: 67% Safer Homes (No Electric Bills!)

Did you know that a whopping 67% of burglaries could be stopped if you had good security cameras? That’s a big number. However, traditional CCTV systems often come with complex wiring and high electricity costs that deter many homeowners from installing them.

Solar CCTV cameras are the answer to these common challenges. They eliminate the need for electrical wiring while providing reliable security coverage.

These innovative devices combine solar technology with modern surveillance features, making them the obvious choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

They use the sun. That means no wires. And, your power bill stays low. These cameras are easy to set up. You can do it yourself. This guide will show you how.

We’ll find the best spot for your camera. Then, we’ll set it up. Finally, we’ll make sure it works great. Ready to make your home safer with solar power? Let’s start now.

What are Solar CCTV Camera Systems?

Traditional security cameras need constant electricity. Solar cameras are different. They use sunlight. This is a big change. Sunlight powers them. A solar panel takes in the sun’s energy.

This energy goes into a battery. The battery powers the camera. So, even when there’s no sun, the camera works. This makes them useful. They work almost anywhere. People like them.

Homes and businesses use them more and more. They save energy. They are easy to put up. And, they work even if the power goes out.

Create an installation checklist.

To set up your solar CCTV, get everything ready. A checklist helps you remember everything.

Here’s what you need:

• Tools: A drill, screws, brackets, and cables.
• Safety gear: Follow safety rules for working high up.
• Camera kit: Make sure you have all the parts.
• Ready the place: Clean the walls where you’ll put the cameras. Make sure they are strong.
• Having all these things ready makes the setup easy.

Before you put up your cameras, think about what you need to protect. Find the places that are easy to get into. Test your cameras before you put them up for good.

Try setting them up for a short time. Have someone watch the camera’s view. This makes sure you have the right angle and cover everything.

Keep a record of where you put each camera.

Also, keep the instructions that came with your cameras. This helps if you need to fix or change anything later. Doing these things makes your solar CCTV setup easy and works well.

Gather Tools and Materials

Setting up a solar CCTV camera goes smoothly when you have everything ready. Getting the right tools and materials first stops you from having to stop and find things later. Here’s what you need to start.

Required mounting hardware

Most solar CCTV kits have some mounting parts. But, you might need extra things. This depends on where you put your camera.

• Strong screws and wall plugs: These hold the camera to your wall. Get the right type for your wall. Concrete needs different ones than wood.
• Weatherproofing: Use sealant to stop water from getting in. Cable clips help keep wires neat and safe.
• Adjustable brackets: These let you point the camera and solar panel just right. The camera sees more. The panel gets more sun.

Optional accessories for better performance

You can add some extras to make your solar CCTV system even better.

• Pole mounts: These let you put your camera and panel on poles or trees. This is good if you can’t use a wall.
• NEMA box: This protects the battery and other parts from bad weather. It helps them last longer.
• IR illuminators: These help your camera see better at night. They use less battery power than the camera’s built-in lights.
• Junction boxes: These keep the wires neat and safe from water. Water can damage the connections.

Getting these extras ready makes your setup easier. You can focus on putting the camera in the right place. And make sure it works well.

How to install solar CCTV cameras? Step-by-Step Mounting Process

It is very important to set up your solar CCTV camera correctly. This will ensure that your system works well for a long time. Here’s how to do it right.

Installing the solar panel

First, find a spot with lots of sun. Make sure nothing blocks the sunlight. Point the solar panel at the best angle. In the north, point it south. In the south, point it north.

Next, mark where you need to drill. Use a level to make sure it’s straight. Drill holes at the marks. Put in wall plugs to make the screws strong. Then, screw the bracket tightly to the wall. Make sure it’s very strong. It needs to stay put in wind and rain.

Mounting the camera unit

Put the camera high up, about 8 to 10 feet. This helps it see a lot. And it’s hard for people to reach.

Hold the bracket on the wall. Mark where to drill. Drill the holes, put in wall plugs, and screw the bracket on. Before you tighten it all the way, change the angle.

Make sure it sees what you want. Then, put the camera on the bracket. Use special screws that need special tools. This makes it harder for someone to steal the camera.

Connect the components

To make the electrical part safe and work well, follow these steps. First, connect the solar panel wires to the battery. Make sure you connect the right wires together. Positive to positive. Negative to negative. Then, connect the battery to the camera.

Each camera system might be a little different. So, read the instructions that came with your camera. This is very important.

After you connect everything and turn it on, your camera should start working.

Secure cables and connections

Keep your cables safe and tidy. Use cable clips to hold them in place. This stops them from getting damaged and from people tripping. Put waterproof sealant where cables go into the camera or battery. This stops water from getting in.

If you live where the weather is bad, or animals might chew the wires, put the cables in a protective tube. This tube keeps the wires safe. Safe wires help your system last longer. They also make your setup look neat.

Read Also: How to CCTV camera hack? 5 Security Vulnerables to Watch Out For!

Now Set Up Your Solar CCTV System

Once you’ve put up your solar CCTV system, you need to set it up and test it. This part makes your camera work the way you want it to.

Power up the system

First, check all the wires. Make sure the solar panel, battery, and camera are connected right. See if the solar panel is getting sun and making power. Most systems have a light that shows power is on.

Then, press the power button. It’s usually on the solar panel or battery. After turning it on, you should hear a voice telling you the camera is ready. If you don’t hear anything, let the battery charge for a while. It might need more time before it works.

Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile app

Get the app for your camera. You can find it on your phone’s app store. Make an account in the app. This lets you watch your camera from your phone.

Most cameras have three ways to connect:

• QR code: Show the code on your phone to the camera. It will say it got the code.
• Sound wave: Turn your phone’s sound up. The camera listens for a sound to connect.
• Bluetooth: Turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Keep it close to the camera. Follow the steps on your phone.

Before you connect, ensure your phone is on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Most cameras don’t work with 5GHz. Type your Wi-Fi password carefully. If it’s wrong, it won’t connect.

Configure camera settings

After your camera connects, open the app’s settings. Here, you can change how your camera works.

• Motion detection: Change how sensitive it is. If it’s too sensitive, you’ll get alerts for small things. If it’s not sensitive enough, it might miss something important.
• Recording schedule: Set times when you want the camera to record. If you don’t want it recording all the time.
• Notifications: Turn on alerts. You’ll get a message when the camera sees movement.
• Firmware updates: Turn on automatic updates. This keeps your camera safe and working well.

Test the system

Before you trust your new camera, test it well. Look at the live video. Make sure it sees everything you want. Walk in front of the camera. See if it notices you and sends alerts.

Check the solar panel. Ensure it’s making enough power. Test the recording. See if it saves videos correctly.

Try testing the camera during the day and at night. This makes sure it works well in all kinds of light.

Read Also: Save Money with Offline CCTV: Can CCTV Camera work without Internet?

What Components are required of a solar CCTV system?

A solar CCTV system has key parts. They work together to keep you safe.

• Solar Panel: This part takes sunlight. Good panels use monocrystalline silicon. They work well even when it’s not very sunny. Experts say get panels with at least 9W.
• Rechargeable Battery: This stores the sun’s power. Lithium batteries are common. LiFePO4 is better. They can hold power for many days. Even without sun. They handle hot and cold weather.
• Charge Controller: This part is smart. It controls the power flow. It stops the battery from overcharging. It helps the battery last longer.
• Camera Unit: This is the camera itself. It often has 2K quality. It can see at night. It sees movement. It can handle rain and snow.
• Mounting Hardware: These are the brackets. They hold the camera and panel. They help you put them in the best spots.

It’s really helpful to know about these parts, as it makes it easier to pick the right system. And set it upright.

Now Plan Your Installation

We get it: proper planning is the cornerstone of a successful solar CCTV camera installation. If you take the time to think through the important stuff before fitting your equipment, you can be sure it’ll work perfectly and you won’t have to deal with any nasty surprises.

So, let’s dive into the essential planning steps for your solar security system!

Read Also: How do I connect an HDMI security camera to my TV?

Next, Choose the right location.

Where you put your solar CCTV cameras matters a lot. Good spots keep you safer. Watch places where people might enter. Like the front and back doors. Most burglars use these doors.

Put cameras up high. About 8 to 10 feet. This helps them see more. And it stops people from easily reaching them.

Good places to put cameras:

• Front and back doors.
• Driveways and paths.
• Corners of your yard.
• Inside, hallways and stairs.

Don’t point cameras at your neighbor’s yard. And think about how the cameras look in your house. Good placement makes your system work best.

Assess sunlight exposure

Solar panels need sun. So, where you put them is very important. In the north, point them south. This gets the most sun all day long.

Look for things that block sunlight. Trees, buildings, or roofs can make shadows. Shadows stop the panel from working well. Find open, sunny spots.

The angle of the panel is also key. Put it at an angle like your location on Earth. This helps it catch more sun. If you have big changes in seasons, you might need to change the angle sometimes. This helps your solar camera work its best.

Measure coverage area

To make sure your cameras see everything, you need to know about “field of view” (FOV). FOV is how wide and tall the camera’s view is. It depends on:

• The camera’s sensor size.
• The lens’s focal length.
• How far away things are.

You can use a formula to find the width of the view. This helps you know what the camera will see.

Before you put up your cameras, look at the area. Find the important spots. Think about where you need to see. Make sure the cameras’ views overlap. This stops blind spots. Blind spots are places the cameras can’t see. Always avoid blind spots makes your security better.

Read Also: How to Connect Cameras to Phone: Quick Home CCTV Setup Guide

Conclusion

Solar CCTV cameras are a clever way to keep your home safe. They use sunlight. This means you won’t have to spend as much on electricity. Plus, there’s no need for a lot of wires. To get the best results, plan carefully. Put them in the right spots. Make sure they get enough sunlight. Connect everything well. And protect them from the weather.

Check them often. This will make them last longer. Good security starts with good planning. Use this guide. You can set up a solar camera system.

It will keep your place safe, day and night. It will even keep your home safe when the weather is bad or the power is out.