Choosing the right solar farm CCTV system is vital to addressing the growing security challenges facing solar farms and development sites in the UK. Robust security measures protect your solar investments at all times, helping to minimise costly downtime, replacement costs, revenue loss and higher insurance premiums.
CCTV cameras equipped with high-resolution imaging, thermal and night vision capabilities and AI-video analytics are some of the essential features to look for in efficient security measures.
In this guide, we'll explain 8 security camera features in detail, which security solutions work best for different site types and how our security experts can help protect your investments.
What to Look for in Solar Farm CCTV Systems: 8 Essential Security Camera Features
Effective solar farm security requires specific camera features and capabilities designed for remote, outdoor environments.
Here are 8 critical features to prioritise in your CCTV systems:
1. High-resolution imaging
Crystal-clear footage is essential for identifying intruders and providing evidence in investigations and prosecutions. High-resolution imaging helps security teams identify licence plates, facial features and the specific solar equipment being targeted.
HD and 4K footage via PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) security cameras captures details more effectively than lower-quality, standard systems. This level of detail is crucial when working with police investigations or insurance claims.
Our high-definition PTZ cameras deliver near-360° coverage, enhanced AI-video analytics and infrared (IR) imagery with high-quality 4K resolutions, providing 24/7 critical infrastructure protection.
2. Night vision & infrared capabilities
Most criminal activity at remote solar farms and development sites occurs under the cover of darkness, making IR and low-light camera capabilities essential for constant surveillance.
Night vision refers to the ability to see in low light or dimly lit areas. The technology works by amplifying the available light, including IR light (which is invisible to the human eye), to create an enhanced image that helps improve threat detection.
Infrared, a type of electromagnetic radiation, has a longer wavelength than visible light. IR technology uses this radiation to detect heat signatures or thermal energy emitted by objects.
With 3 HD PTZ cameras, a drop-down dome and near-360° visibility, our Smart Towers deliver full situational awareness alongside remote access, audio challenge and power autonomy, forming efficient CCTV monitoring in off-grid, remote locations.
3. Thermal cameras
Thermal cameras detect body heat signatures, making them ideal for spotting intruders in fog, smoke, rain or complete darkness. The camera's processor uses various colours to translate heat signals: warmer areas typically appear in reds and ambers, while cooler areas show as blues and purples.
Unlike standard cameras that rely on visible light, thermal imaging detects intruders regardless of lighting or weather conditions. By focusing security attention on genuine threats, this technology drastically reduces false alarms caused by wildlife, swaying vegetation or changing weather.
Our Thermal Solar Tower incorporates thermal and optical cameras with onboard analytics to deter and detect intrusions before they escalate to major crimes. With 4 bio-spec cameras, they can detect vehicles or persons at distances of up to 200 metres in fog, dust or darkness, ideal for remote solar farm locations or those still under construction.
4. Weatherproof & durable design
Extreme weather, heat and humidity can shorten the lifespan of solar farm security systems and lower-quality systems can often lead to equipment breakdown when security matters most. That's why IP66 and IP67-rated weatherproof casings are essential for protecting revenue streams and valuable assets on renewable energy sites.
Durable designs help keep cameras operational during storms, high winds and harsh winter conditions, mitigating solar site crime risks and closing security gaps.
Our CCTV Towers feature robust weatherproof housing designed for operational continuity in challenging outdoor environments. The in-built Heartbeat software runs regular diagnostic checks, monitoring connection issues, recording problems and camera failures from afar, which reduces costly maintenance visits by around 90%.
5. Remote CCTV monitoring
Professional remote CCTV monitoring services enable rapid response to security breaches. Unlike standard systems with record-only capabilities, remote monitoring delivers live footage directly to NSI Gold Accredited monitoring centres, where trained professionals assess threats in real-time.
When threats occur, keyholding and alarm response teams take immediate action, such as triggering a live audio warning, dispatching mobile guards and/or contacting emergency services.
Remote monitoring services are a cost-effective solution that helps stop thieves, vandals and trespassers before any damage or harm occurs. This aids solar farm owners in avoiding costly downtime, operational disruptions and insurance headaches. Whether you're securing an established solar site or one under construction, live monitoring ensures 24/7 site protection at a fraction of the cost of onsite personnel.
6. AI-video analytics
Artificial intelligence teaches cameras to differentiate between humans, animals and other environmental factors. Smart analytics focuses security attention on genuine security threats rather than harmless activity.
AI-powered systems learn normal site patterns and identify unusual behaviour that may indicate criminal activity. This intelligent monitoring significantly reduces false alarms and, consequently, the burden on solar farm operators and their operational teams.
Advanced site condition monitoring solutions using IoT sensors allow solar farm owners to track dust, CO₂ emissions, vibrations, humidity and weather in real-time through a single integrated management platform. These units, available as Redeployable Camera and Temporary CCTV Tower add-ons, require no additional power source and are specifically designed for sensitive and high-risk locations.
7. Integration with PIDS
CCTV surveillance that integrates with perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) offers optimal security for renewable energy sites. PIDS create an early warning system that prevents unauthorised access before intruders reach valuable assets.
Electric fencing and fence-mounted sensors detect perimeter breaches immediately, triggering camera activation and alerts. This layered perimeter security stops criminals, trespassers and vandals before they reach solar panels, batteries and inverters, preventing costly theft, damage and operational disruptions.
Advanced camera technologies include ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) that captures vehicle details of anyone entering/exiting your solar farm and development site. These capabilities provide crucial evidence for police investigations and insurance claims.
Our portable Hornet PID system integrates seamlessly with CCTV Towers, providing near-360° coverage via 4 integrated cameras that trigger audible alerts when threats are detected.
8. Autonomous operation
Solar-powered security systems operate independently without mains electricity or internet connectivity. This autonomous operation makes them ideal for securing solar sites and those under development where traditional power sources are unavailable.
Our entire product range is specifically designed for autonomous operation, delivering live and recorded images via secure mobile transmission using sustainable power sources.
Here are a few features of our Solar Fuel Cell CCTV Towers:
- Operate using solar panels and methanol fuel cells to deliver continuous monitoring with minimal maintenance.
- Deliver up to 20 weeks of uninterrupted coverage between fuel cell refills.
- Easily set up, providing site protection within minutes, not days.
- 4G/5G mobile transmission and Stellifii mobile surveillance ensure remote CCTV monitoring at any time via our free mobile app.
Now that we've covered the essential features of security cameras, let's take a deeper look at our top security systems for your solar project.
WCCTV's Fully-Managed Solar Farm Security Solutions
Our fully-managed service and comprehensive security solutions are tailored to different solar farm requirements:
- Rapid Deployment CCTV Towers are perfect for solar farms under construction or requiring temporary security solutions. Our Towers stand up to 6 metres tall, provide near-360° site coverage, can be installed within 20 minutes (basic setups) and operate autonomously for up to 20 weeks on solar power.
- Temporary CCTV Towers provide short-term surveillance for as long as you need it. Available on a rental basis, these flexible solutions are trusted across multiple sectors and site types, from renewable energy sites to local authority use for 24/7 site protection.
- Mobile, solar-powered CCTV Towers are ideal for solar farms in isolated locations where mains electricity is limited or unavailable. Our Eco Towers offer the perfect solution, delivering up to 150 hours of continuous monitoring via long-life batteries between charges.
- Redeployable CCTV cameras are ideal for established solar farms requiring flexible security coverage or in times of heightened security vulnerabilities. Our 4G IR Mini Dome cameras offer complete PTZ functionality, infrared night vision and mobile connectivity in a single compact unit built for quick setup and discreet monitoring.
Why choose WCCTV for your solar farm security?
- Nationwide coverage: With 6 regional hubs across the UK, we provide comprehensive coverage from Scotland to the South West.
- Industry leaders: We are the UK's leading manufacturer and supplier of Rapid Deployment CCTV systems, specifically designed for temporary security or targeted surveillance applications, with over 20 years of experience.
- Proven results: Our fully-managed services can potentially save solar farm operators up to 88% in security costs compared to manned guarding.
The importance of solar farm security is no longer a luxury consideration but a necessity for protecting valuable assets, deterring crime and ensuring uninterrupted energy production to reach the UK's Net Zero targets.
Secure Your Solar Farm With WCCTV Today
Protecting your solar investment requires more than basic CCTV cameras. It demands an advanced approach with multiple layers to deter intruders and stop crime before it escalates.
PTZ cameras with HD and 4K footage capabilities capture details more effectively than lower-quality, standard systems. Night and infrared vision help detect intruders in fog, rain and darkness. Remote CCTV monitoring delivers rapid responses to security breaches in real-time, while AI-video analytics focuses security attention on genuine security threats rather than harmless activity from swaying vegetation or animals.
Whether you're protecting an established solar site or one under construction, WCCTV's comprehensive security solutions can save you up to 88% compared to the cost of on-site security guards.
Don't leave your valuable assets vulnerable to rising crime risks. Contact our security experts to discuss how we can protect your solar projects today.
