Solar Farm CCTV

There are many advantages to utilising fibre optic technology (as opposed to Cat5 copper wiring) for perimeter CCTV cameras around solar farms:

In a redundant ring configuration, a fibre optic Ethernet cable enables data to flow both ways, ensuring the whole solar farm CCTV system remains live even after damage to one section.

In stark contrast, a breakage in traditional metal (Cat5) cabling means the distal parts of the system are immediately cut off and all camera coverage lost.

Fibre optic cables have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables meaning they can transmit far more information at any time, and far faster data from cameras at higher quality for analytic software.

Offering low power loss, fibre enables longer transmission distances (of up to 2000 metres) compared to the longest recommended distance of 100 metres for copper cabling.

Fibre optic cables are also immune to electromagnetic interference, meaning they remain unaffected by electrical surges, such as lightning strikes, that could permanently damage CCTV components.

This effectively ‘future-proofs’ solar farm CCTV security beyond a typical 25-year lifetime by providing the ability for any new components or technologies to be easily added in the future, without restriction on data transmission.

In contrast, metal cabling effectively consigns a system to today’s technology, so when these components do need replacing (which they will) it won’t be able to keep up to date.

Just imagine how much more advanced such cameras and analytics will be in 25 years’ time!

Optimal HD IP Cameras

Utilising a combination of the latest high definition IP day/night cameras and IP infra-red thermal imaging enables large solar farm perimeters to be remotely monitored; with images transmitted to the central control location via a direct burial fibre optic Ethernet redundant ring.

Ultra HD 4K IP Colour Monochrome bullet-cameras provide optimal day/night capability, 1.3 MP resolution and narrow field of view. CMOS technology allows the camera to scan each pixel in order to produce a complete picture. Each camera includes additional long-range infrared illumination of up to 70 metres at 60 degrees enabling the camera to operate in zero lux lighting conditions.

Thermal imaging bullet-cameras enable long distance monitoring via 35mm or 60mm fixed focus image sensor lenses for up to 200 metres coverage.

SSAIB Certification

As part of our security services, an SSAIB certificate of compliance is also issued on completion of the installation.

Unique Camera Post Assembly

Solar farm CCTV cameras are installed onto Secure Site’s bespoke galvanised ‘perma-head’ assembly, which is secured directly to the specified wooden or metal posts at camera locations.

Our ‘perma-head’ assembly is constructed off-site by our engineers then brought to site once cabling has been installed to simply connect and commission. It’s especially cost-effective should wooden posts have been specified since when they rot (which they do) replacing the post is possible without any cable disconnection or system blackout, saving the cost of a CCTV engineer dismantling and reassembling.

It’s far quicker and far less costly, meaning the system stays live throughout.

Alternatively, please enquire about own range of galvanised steel posts.

Automated Video Analytics

Alarm detection is by means of video analytics being deployed at each camera. It is iLIDS accredited for use as a means of primary detection, a Home Office Approved Accreditation.

Digital Barrier™ video analytics enable a range of security scenarios to be analysed in real time. Being highly efficient, analytics work on low-resolution streams enabling many cameras to be monitored simultaneously on one server.

Video analytics can be configured to trigger alarms for a range of suspicious activity (such as intrusion by individuals) but to ignore ‘usual’ activity of animals entering the solar farm.

On activation, the images are immediately monitored, via the broadband connection, at a Remote Video Alarm Receiving Centre (RVARC) with the ability to view all cameras on site live in order to determine the cause of the trigger and prioritise the appropriate escalation in the event of a real threat.

On-Site Training

Secure Site’s state-of-the-art security services provide all client-designated operatives with full end-user training on all installed equipment on practical completion of the CCTV system installation.

This covers configuration of alarm detection zones, live viewing of the CCTV system, playback of recorded images and removal of recorded images for evidential purposes; ensuring on site personnel can perform day-to-day end user functions on the video analytics and NVR modules.

In addition, at hand-over of the completed installation, a set of O&M manuals is provided in electronic format, with hard copies also available.