Common Questions About Solar Surveillance Trailers - WCCTV USA

Everything You Need To Know About Solar Surveillance Trailers

Solar Surveillance Trailers are a rapid-deployment mobile video surveillance solution. They combine security cameras with a portable trailer mast, solar panels, and backup battery power.

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Their portability and autonomous operation means they can be deployed and relocated within minutes, allowing for immediate security coverage at temporary or off-grid locations like Construction Jobsites

Solar trailers offer multiple benefits compared with typical security camera setups and are typically much more cost-effective than legacy security methods such as physical guards.

Below, we answer some of the common questions about the use of solar trailers, with a specific focus on the way these units are powered.

What Size Solar Panel Does a Solar Surveillance Trailer Need?

Imagine deploying a solar surveillance trailer to protect your critical assets, only to discover that it has run out of juice - leaving your site vulnerable and open to theft.

Unfortunately, this scenario is far too often the reality as inexperienced trailer suppliers underspec the setup required to deliver continuous power supply in times of limited sunlight.

Likewise, some manufacturers will attempt to overcompensate and supply trailers with oversized solar panels - making them cumbersome and difficult to install.  

At WCCTV, we manufacture our solar trailers in the USA and have over 20 years of providing off-grid surveillance solutions. We know what it takes to deliver year-round operation.

We specify our solar trailers with 750w - 800w solar panels, balancing the need for a powerful solar draw with the ease of installation required to respond to immediate security needs. 

What Kind of Batteries Does a Solar Trailer Need?

Typically, surveillance trailers will utilize either AGM gel batteries or Lithium batteries.

Both of these battery types have unique advantages, and depending on the scenario, one could be more suitable than the other. 

In the case of surveillance trailers, AGM batteries are a great option as they offer:

• Zero maintenance requirements
• Durability and reliance in any weather 
• Higher storage capacity
• Time tested reliability

While lithium batteries are a great solution in many places, when you need a solution that is reliable, proven, durable, and requires zero user maintenance - AGM batteries have it all.

How is Solar Charge Controlled on a Surveillance Trailer?

Solar surveillance trailers should be fitted with charge controllers.

These devices stop reverse currents from the batteries into the PV modules, help prevent overcharging, and improve overall charge quality. Charge controllers also disconnect power to the loads when the batteries' voltage dips too far.

Depending on your choice, charge controllers come with additional features such as lighting control, remote temperature sensors, a remote meter, and an optional meter.

What Power Management Features Does a Solar Trailer Need?

Keeping an eye on the performance of your batteries and solar panels can be the difference between safety and catastrophe.

A high-quality surveillance trailer should provide all of the following features:

• True battery state-of-charge
• Time remaining feature
• Remote power monitoring and management
• Local remote control
• Performance history

Remote power management is especially vital as it provides a snapshot of power performance, allowing users to monitor, manage, and optimize the power system remotely.

An effective power management platform will allow users to set alerts and alarms to catch potential issues early. This type of software can be provided as desktop software, a mobile app, or (ideally) both.

At WCCTV, we typically hire our solar trailers as part of a completely managed security service. We handle all battery performance monitoring to ensure you have no nasty surprises. 

But we make all our management tools available for those who want to be more hands-on.

How Long Does a Surveillance Trailer Last Without Sun?

The type of battery, wattage ratings, and power consumption rate will determine how long a solar surveillance trailer can last without direct sunlight.

WCCTV's solar surveillance trailers will run for a minimum of 10 days on battery autonomy compared to other commonly used systems that only provide a maximum of 4 days.

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Solar Trailer?

The recharge rate for a solar surveillance trailer will vary depending on factors such as the solar panel’s wattage ratings and the light conditions.

Even in ideal summer conditions, a solar trailer with a 100, 250, or 400w panel could take several days to completely recharge, which is another reason we always spec 750-800w panels.

The angle and direction of the solar panels will also play a key factor in recharge rates, as there must be direct sunlight on the panel. At WCCTV, we provide full training and instruction on how best to position your panels in your locations.

Summary

If you're serious about securing your property, people, or assets, then it pays to do your research on what solar surveillance trailer you're planning to use. Not all solar surveillance trailers are created equally. 

WCCTV is proud to manufacture solar trailers in the USA. Our vast experience working with major construction companies, property managers, government and law enforcement agencies, and critical infrastructure locations has led us to develop the most reliable trailers in the marketplace. 

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COMPANY DESCRIPTION

• 5 Year Warranty
• Short Lead Times
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• Proudly Made in the USA

Ruggedized Powder Coat Textured Steel Frame

Every metal section receives a phosphate primer rinse before it is powder coated inside and out.

Monocrystalline Solar Array (400W – W) Solar Array size, type, adjustment, angle.

The Vorp Energy Surveillance Trailer is autonomously powered with batteries and a monocrystalline solar array designed to capture the maximum amount of sunlight/energy. It can be fitted with up to a W solar array, which is the largest solar panel array available on a mobile platform. This provides you with the most power possible on the smallest footprint.

MPPT Charge Controller

Ensure maximum power is being captured and distributed.

Cerbo GX

The company is the world’s best Small Solar Light Towers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Remote system monitoring of built in power system.

(2) 200Ah 12v SLA or Lithium Batteries

Get up 48 hours of backup and run 24/7 all year round.

Coiled Cable Options

(3) 18 gauge or (4) 16 gauge with 2 CAT5E cable in one coiled cable. Easy equipment installation with plug and play cables and mounts included for ease of use.

21 Ft. Stabilized Telescopic Mast 

Reach high enough for nearly every deployment in seconds with the 21 foot camera mast. A 4 foot, detachable head-end extension makes deployment and retrieval a breeze, along with a small height boost.

Choose between a rigged 15′ mast with no guy wires or a 21′ mast with guy wires for stabilization.

Need to get higher? Ask our sales team about a larger mast or a longer extension for your mobile camera security trailer!

Extreme Wind Stability

Surveillance camera installations require a stable mounting location in order to get a clear image. Especially when using advanced person/vehicle detection analytics, a camera that moves in the wind will produce significant false alarms.

Vorp Energy’s Security Trailer camera mast features quick clip stabilizing guy lines to improve an already stable mounting location.

Weatherproof Internal Equipment Storage

Need to run an NVR or other larger server? Need a weatherproof, secure place for power equipment? It’s not a problem with the lockable internal equipment enclosure that protects power equipment and battery bank. There is plenty of space for equipment inside the trailer, where we guarantee it will be protected from tampering or the elements.

Power Storage Options

Space inside for up to (6) 200Ah batteries and a generator.

Off Road Tires and Independent Suspension

A far-cry from being wimpy, every aspect of this Solar Security Trailer is built to impress your clients, at a price that makes this unit a no-brainer for any customer in need of remote surveillance.

This includes the large off-road, dark-rimmed mud tires that come standard on every unit. Pull something to your next installation that you can be proud of.

A half axle trailer suspension system provides greater ground clearance, with a lower overall deck height than a conventional axle. The independent suspension lets our Mobile Surveillance Trailer go nearly anywhere you can get with your truck.

Detachable Trailer Hitch

You can quickly remove the trailer hitch for added security in deployed on site.

Quick detach, folding hitch helps prevent trailer theft.

(4) Stabilizing Corner Jacks

Quickly stabilize the entire Solar Surveillance Trailer with a heavy-duty jack on each corner. For deployments where theft of the trailer is a concern these jacks can be used to raise the system enough to remove the wheels, and then lower the unit to the ground.

Slide out extensions are an available add-on for mobile deployments requiring a larger footprint.

DC to AC Smart Inverter Package

Plug into AC power easily with the included inverter package.

Choose Your Top of Pole Surveillance Package

Customize your video surveillance equipment exactly how you need. Some applications might call for a simple configuration with a few fixed lens IP cameras and a point to point radio.

Others surveillance applications might require 2 huge PTZ cameras, a 2-way audio setup, a siren/strobe, IR floodlight, and a cellular modem.

Whatever the security application, we will provide you with a top of pole power package that makes your equipment installation as easy as plugging into a labeled power/data port.

Security Cameras (Bring yours or use ours)

High quality outdoor solar cameras of all types will work including thermal, PTZ, dome and many others. Popular brands include Axis, Mobotix,

Wireless Equipment (Bring yours or use ours)

Antennas, P2P Radios, Bridges, Routers, Cellular Gateways