Ever wondered if Solar Surveillance Trailers work in bad weather? And if yes, how? We explore the various features that allow this security solution to be used all-year-round.
Although Solar Surveillance Trailers do utilize sunlight to power the security solution and protect your site, most may not be aware that some Trailers can actually be used during harsher weather including cloud and rain.
But, you may be left wondering how? Time to explore the world of Solar Surveillance Trailers, and the offerings available that allow them to be used all-year-round.
What is a Solar Surveillance Trailer?
Solar Surveillance Trailers are a portable, self-powered surveillance unit that uses solar power and batteries to operate the camera equipment attached to the top of the Trailer’s mast.
The number of cameras that can be fitted to the Surveillance Trailer will vary between manufacturers, however, all offer a flexible, adjustable security solution to suit your needs.
Built with a stable base, Trailers are fitted with two wheels which allow them to be moved to new locations by yourself, without the need for support from any security experts.
Although generally most Surveillance Trailers will all operate in a similar way, there will be variations in them from company-to-company, making it important for you to explore the options available to you.
Security is only successful if it suits your needs, especially in locations faced with harsh weather conditions. Solar Surveillance Trailers have multiple benefits, but if you select a poor choice it could leave your site completely vulnerable due to usability.
The Importance of Maintaining Security During Bad Weather
Security is needed all-year-round, in fact it’s likely to be in higher demand during the colder, darker seasons when crime is more prominent and where weather will often be harsher.
Crime doesn’t just press pause when there’s heavy wind, rain, or clouds, and your security needs to be able to manage this because otherwise your site will be left completely at risk to their associated security threats.
A lapse in security can lead to catastrophic consequences relating to legal and financial loss, as well as damage your business’ reputation.
With a rise in crime like copper theft, vehicle theft, vandalism, and violent crimes, security is needed to protect against this and mitigate those risks from happening to you.
How Criminals May Utilize Bad Weather
Even in extreme conditions, criminals may utilize bad weather to their advantage.
Any signs of quietness provides criminals with an opportunity and where there is the potential for large rewards, some will be willing to risk their own lives for the sake of financial gain.
In rainy or windy conditions, individuals are less likely to go to work or go out in public, especially with locations like construction jobsites as most work takes place externally and is weather dependent.
In these situations, as much as you may not be present, it does not mean that other individuals will not seek to use this opportunity to steal, vandalize, or commit other illegal activity against your building, property, or site.
That’s why even on those bad days, you cannot sleep on your security!
Can Solar Surveillance Trailers be Used in Bad Weather?
You’ll be surprised to know that yes, you can!
Although Surveillance Trailers are powered by solar energy, most will have battery backup that will allow them to work all-year-round, even in poor weather conditions.
No State will receive sunlight everyday of the year and on those cloudy, rainy days, your solar panels are likely to receive lowered power due to the reduced sunlight in which is being received.
However, due to this, most Solar Surveillance Trailers will have battery power to ensure there is no loss of service during times where solar power may be reduced. This allows operations to continue as needed, maintaining the security in which you are provided with.
But, with so many manufacturers offering various Solar Surveillance Trailers, there can be big differences in the way they operate, some being more successful than others.
Therefore, selecting the right manufacturer’s Trailer can be what makes or breaks your site’s security survival throughout those bad weather periods. But, how do you know what to look for?
Key Features That Support Solar Surveillance Trailers Through Bad Weather
With many industries benefiting from the use of Surveillance Trailers, there are some key features to look out for that will specifically support your Trailer’s operations through bad weather conditions:
Weatherproof Design
Bad weather places not only your building, property, or site at risk but also your Surveillance Trailers, especially if their design has not been considered for varying weather conditions.
Issues like strong winds and rain could damage equipment, leading to a lapse in your security.
Every minute without protection is an opportunity provided to criminals or for damage to occur and go unnoticed.
Therefore, finding a Surveillance Trailer that is reliable through tough conditions could simply come down to overall design.
At WCCTV, there are some key features we implemented in our Solar Surveillance Trailer’s design to keep it weatherproof:
- Use weatherproof enclosures that protect electrical components from dust, rain, and high temperatures.
- Utilize durable materials including stainless steel, UV-resistant plastic, and reinforced aluminum to ensure all-year-round operation.
- Add protective coatings and finishes to prevent corrosion, dust, and UV damage.
- Ensure the Trailer is tamper proof and reinforced to protect against malicious interference.
Site Condition Monitoring
Available as an add-on, site condition monitoring sensors can be fitted to some high-quality Surveillance Trailers to monitor key elements on site, including weather.
For most this helps to maintain safe conditions for public and environmental safety, particularly with construction jobsites. However, tools such as this also help to inform you of the type of bad weather being faced by your property, building, or site.
With this information, you can create plans, assess, and monitor the status of your site which you otherwise may be unaware of.
Autonomous Power
Most, if not all Surveillance Trailers work on complete power autonomy and do not require any power input from you.
However, the length of time in which different Trailers offer power from one manufacturer to the next will vary. So, whereas one could offer it all-year-round, others may only be able to provide 6 months.
Because solar power is dependent on sunlight, the less there is, the more reliance there is on the battery backup to supply the power needed to keep the Trailer in operation.
On bad weather days, this is key. If the power supply is poor, your Surveillance Trailer could lose power, leaving your site vulnerable to multiple security risks including theft and criminal damage.
At WCCTV, our Trailers offer year-round power with cellular connectivity, allowing them to work completely independently and withstand all seasons.
24/7 Live Monitoring
During bad weather, losing live monitoring could lead to environmental damage and security breaches being missed. This also means that no footage is captured of the event, meaning that any investigations following this for criminal cases may not be possible.
Ensuring you have a system that provides 24/7/365 live monitoring will allow you to keep in touch with your site at all times. This promotes a proactive and reactive response to security which is vital during bad weather where there will be heightened safety and security risks.
Monitoring is only beneficial if it supplements the security of your business, but without having a live monitoring feed, you’ll only be able to access footage retrospectively and this can create limitations for you.
With our fully-managed security service, our Surveillance Trailers offer day-to-night live coverage, 365 days a year that you can rely on.
Maintenance Support
Simply setting up your Surveillance Trailer isn’t enough.
If you don’t ensure Trailers are maintained to a high service standard, there’s a risk that security quality will be reduced or become unusable.
Due to their purpose, Surveillance Trailers hold high-value technology and there is a risk with any technology that it could depreciate overtime or become damaged which will inhibit its functionality.
We provide a fully-managed service with all of our products including our Surveillance Trailers which ensures you receive maintenance support throughout your journey with our systems.
This allows us to stay on top of any maintenance issues, refueling, and general wear and tear that may occur during this time.
Bad weather can run a risk of damage, but by having the correct system in place, we are able to manage these risks and reduce downtime by promptly responding to any matters.
Additionally, our Heartbeat diagnostic service works as a comprehensive health, status, and operation-checking application that automatically detects any issues with your surveillance cameras - allowing for swift corrective action.
This ensures the correct operations of our service in all types of weather conditions by verifying the following statuses:
- Connection Issues
- Camera Failures
- Hard Disk Failures
- Recording Issues
- Time & Date Inaccuracy
Remote Access
When there are bad weather conditions, there will be a concern for any managers or owners about the safety and security of their property, building, or site.
Not having a view of this only builds that fear as you are unable to check in and assess any damage or criminal activity that could be taking place.
Although many manufacturers will have security professionals monitoring any footage and responding to any events, solely trusting others for your security is not a preference for many managers or owners.
We understand the importance of having your own control and view of your security which is why our Surveillance Trailers offer remote access via a Mobile App that you can view live wherever you are, on any device.
So, if you need reassurance on a rainy day that your construction jobsite is secured, you can simply login and check directly yourself.
Trusted, Reliable Security: WCCTV’s Solar Surveillance Trailers
In such a saturated market, finding a trusted, established security company that can fulfil your needs, no matter the weather can be difficult.
With over 20-years of security expertise and knowledge, WCCTV offers high-quality surveillance solutions, carefully designed to support you through all weather types. From scorching heat to strong wind, rain, and snow.
We work continuously to improve the product and service we provide, including with our Surveillance Trailers, providing customers with our latest technology as soon as it’s released.
Don’t let bad weather beat you and speak with one of our Surveillance Trailer experts today about how we can support you!
