Solar CCTV Installation for a Remote Compound

Solar CCTV Installation for a Remote Compound

This case study describes a solar CCTV installation we completed for a client operating a remote storage compound in a rural location. The site had no mains electricity supply, making a conventional wired CCTV system impractical without significant groundworks.

The Challenge

The compound stored high-value agricultural equipment and materials. It was accessed regularly during the day but left unattended overnight and at weekends. The client had experienced two incidents of theft in the previous 12 months and needed a reliable surveillance solution that could:

• Cover the main entrance gate and vehicle access track
• Monitor the equipment storage area
• Provide remote viewing via smartphone
• Send motion-triggered alerts out of hours
• Operate reliably through winter months

Site Assessment

Before specifying any equipment, we carried out a detailed site assessment. This involved:

• Mapping the compound layout and identifying key areas requiring coverage
• Assessing available sunlight and identifying the best panel orientation
• Checking 4G signal strength across the site
• Identifying suitable mounting positions for cameras and solar equipment
• Reviewing the client's operational patterns and access requirements

The assessment revealed that 4G signal was strong at the main gate but weaker in the equipment storage area. We planned the system to account for this, using an external aerial to improve connectivity at the secondary camera position.

System Design

Based on the assessment, we specified:

• 2 x high-definition cameras with infrared night vision
• Solar panels sized for reliable winter operation, mounted on a south-facing pole
• Battery storage providing a minimum of 5 days' autonomy without solar charging
• 4G router with external aerial for reliable remote access
• Motion-triggered recording to balance power consumption with coverage
• Cloud backup for critical footage retention

The system was designed to provide continuous coverage of the gate and a motion-triggered overview of the storage area, with all footage accessible remotely.

Installation

Installation was completed in a single day. The solar pole was positioned to maximise sunlight exposure while keeping the panel clear of shade from nearby trees. Cameras were mounted at a height that provided clear coverage of vehicle movements and the compound entrance.

All equipment was housed in weatherproof enclosures, and cable runs were protected against damage. The system was commissioned and tested on-site, with the client shown how to use the smartphone app and review footage.

Results

Since installation, the client has reported:

• Clear, reliable footage of all vehicle movements
• Instant alerts when motion is detected out of hours
• No system failures through the winter months
• Successful identification of a vehicle that attempted to access the compound without authorisation

The system has provided the client with confidence that their compound is monitored at all times, without the cost and disruption of running mains power to the site.

Could Solar CCTV Work for Your Site?

If you have a remote site, rural property or location without mains power that needs reliable surveillance, Midland Security Services can help. Contact us for a free site assessment and quotation.