Simple Solar Panel System to Charge a Remote Security Camera

Plebo2000 on 15/11/2023 - 09:07
Last edited 15/11/2023 - 10:12 by 1 other user

I'm trying to set up a PTZ security camera system on a property without power.

The security camera has a built in battery that can be charged via a simple USB connection.
I'm also wanting to connect a simple WiFi modem to this setup (also charged via USB connection) so that I can view camera footage in real time.
This system will be housed in a secure power box on a pole.

I'm looking at various components to achieve this objective but require advice on the compatability and approriateness of various components - Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently looking at the folowing components;

  1. 20W solar panel (small footprint)
  2. Solar charge controller (30amp 12/24volt PWM)
  3. 12V 9AH Battery
  4. Portable WiFi modem
  5. WiFi PTZ camera

Questions:

  1. Are these components compatible or am I running the risk of overpowerring, overheating etc?
  2. Do I even require a separate battery as part of this configuration as the camera and modem appear to run for several days on their own inbuilt batteries?
  3. Can I use a cheap & basic $20 controller with 2 USB outputs for this application?
  4. Are there any issues with this type of setup?
  5. Any other ideas or improvements to this setup?

thanks in advance

Note: Whilst I understand the basics of this setup, I'm a complete novice to all this type of technology
I've attempted to watch various Youtube vids etc, however they are more instructional around setting up and putting the components together rather than around selecting the various components and their compatability with each other.

Electrical & Electronics Security Camera Solar Panel

Comments

  • omguleh on 15/11/2023 - 09:35
    +4

    I would skip the hassle and get an all enclosed unit with solar (and even 4g) unless you live nearby and go fix things if something goes wrong.

    Reolink have good units.
    https://reolink.com/au/product/reolink-go-pt-ultra/

    • Plebo2000 on 15/11/2023 - 11:33

      Thank you all for your suggestions, something for me to consider.

      However I was trying to make do with existing (non 4G) camera and modem equipment.

      Also considering multiple cameras (at close proximity to a modem) and therefore hoping to get away with a single SIM card.

      • omguleh on 15/11/2023 - 13:58

        Depending who has the best signal in the area, we use an ASUS 4G (4G-AC53U) router but only works with Optus and Voda sims. Haven’t had to power cycle this unit yet and it always reconnects if something goes wrong. Was around $300 when we got it though.

  • GordonD on 15/11/2023 - 09:35

    You don't have to do all that. PTZ will do it for you.

    https://simplyonline.com.au/product/4g-solar-camera-ptz/?att…

  • Protractor on 15/11/2023 - 10:03

    Buy something online that already delivers the same voltage ,amps etc, and mod it to take your camera set up. Or go to Jaycar and have a chat about options. You could also see if support at places like the 12 volt shop,et al, can assist.

  • Muzeeb on 15/11/2023 - 10:14

    Is the camera just a deterrent or are you trying to catch number plates and faces when people enter your property?

    • Plebo2000 on 15/11/2023 - 11:36

      More deterent than anything - but utilising various components Vs a complete unit makes it easier to upgrade the camera component.

      • Muzeeb on 15/11/2023 - 11:52

        Just put up a few cheap units in really obvious spaces for the deterrent factor.

        Even if someone dumps shit on your property you're still going to have to get rid of it whether you can identify their car or not.

  • sumyungguy on 15/11/2023 - 11:07

    I reckon the hardest thing to solve is finding a pocket wi-fi that doesn't occasionally need power-cycling. I setup an Optus Sagemcom gateway with 4G backup to provide home wi-fi for a low data user, just not sure how often it drops out. I also unlocked a Telstra/ZTE MF91 for the same purpose for another user - it drops the connection periodically. EDIT: I see via @GordonD there's a 4G camera option.

    • Plebo2000 on 15/11/2023 - 11:47

      Good point about drop outs, something I hadn't even considered.

      I note there are many entities offering similar remote building site security

      I would be curious to know if they experience many dropouts and what kind of modem setup they utilise?

      • AustriaBargain on 15/11/2023 - 15:46

        Depending what camera you got make sure it either does detection in the camera itself, so when it comes back online it'll push the notification to you, or that the cloud service will analyse old footage from when the camera was offline. Or you might miss something important or cool.

  • xtracrazy69 on 15/11/2023 - 11:46

    If you are wishing to use your existing camera and 4g modem I would suggest that the cheapest and easiest option would be buying small solar panels that are designed specifically for charging the battery cameras. Big W has these: https://www.bigw.com.au/product/ul-tech-wireless-ip-camera-s… (micro usb) or these https://www.bigw.com.au/product/laser-smart-home-solar-panel… (usb C) connection. Similar panels are also available at other retailers. The output from these units eliminate the need for a solar charge controller and you could have one panel for camera and one for the modem to keep them both charged. Have the USB C laser brand one at home and my camera never runs out of juice. If you wanted a bit of back up power you could actually buy a portable power bank, use a single panel to keep it charged and potentially connect both the camera and modem through two usb A outputs on the powerbank for extra back up power. As someone else suggested you might just want to check that pocket wifi doesn't need power cycling. Personally I would use a camera that has it's own memory to back-up footage.

    • Plebo2000 on 15/11/2023 - 11:57

      I like the way you're thinking - it's getting simpler all the time.

  • lgacb08 on 17/11/2023 - 22:13

    The set up might work but you'll probably end up with a dead battery very soon. 20w panel on pwm controller might not give enough juice to charge up that battery. Also the battery is undersized for the job so it will have reduced lifetime due to constantly being drained below 50% capacity.
    I'm using rough estimation, that set up probably draw around 10w constantly, so you need around 240wh, that battery only gives you less than half, there'll be a day you get nothing so to be safe you need double that to be on the safe side (and also avoiding draining the lead acid down by 30% or so).
    Also you haven't discussed how you gonna convert 12v to 5v or does the camera do that for you? Ideally you should have some check to cut off power if battery voltage falling too low too.

    • BigBirdy on 18/11/2023 - 10:57

      Cheap & easy way to get USB from 12v is use a motorcycle USB adaptor as they're (obviously) weatherproof

    • Plebo2000 on 19/11/2023 - 12:56

      I was hoping to use the two USB outputs on the controller to power the camera and the pocket wifi.

      I have an existing Wifi camera (with internal battery) that can be powered either by USB or it's own very small solar panel.

      Whilst trialling this camera fully charged without the solar panel attached in a location where it wasn't triggered constantly, it managed to stay powered for more than five days and I assume the pocket WiFi doesn't consume much power.
      Obviously power consumption is directly related to how often the camera is triggered and records events, this is why I was hoping to add the larger solar panel and additional battery.

      I hope to trial this setup shortly and will provide some feedback - thanks for all the suggestions.

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