Hikvision Solar-Powered 4G CCTV: Security Where There Is No Power or Internet

Hikvision's solar-powered security camera setups combine a solar panel, a lithium battery and a 4G camera in one pole-mounted unit, so you can put CCTV where there's no mains power and no internet: farms, building sites, car parks, events and remote compounds. Hikvision introduced the solution in March 2021 and has since added ColorVu versions. Here's how solar CCTV works, what it can do, and what to check before you buy.

The problem: no power, no network

Plenty of sites need security but have no mains supply or broadband: farmland and outbuildings, forestry, pipelines, plant compounds, temporary road works, construction sites and outdoor events. Running power and cable is expensive, and often pointless for a short-term job.

How Hikvision's solar setup works

• A solar panel charges a rechargeable lithium battery with a battery management system (BMS).
• The camera connects over 4G with a SIM card, so you can watch live, review and download footage remotely.
• Footage is stored on board (SD card plus built-in eMMC memory on the original model), so recording continues even if the 4G signal drops.

Hikvision's original 2021 setup used a 40W panel, a 20Ah battery, a 2MP camera with 120dB WDR, IP67 weatherproofing and a hurricane-level 12 wind rating, with up to 7 days of operation through cloudy or rainy weather when fully charged. The whole pole-mounted unit weighed 14kg and could be installed by one person.

What solar CCTV can do for you

• Protect sites with no infrastructure: no trenching, cabling or electrician.
• Deploy in hours and move the camera when the job moves.
• Monitor remotely on your phone through Hik-Connect.
• Cut running costs, with no electricity bill for the camera.

Who it helps

• Farms: machinery stores, fuel tanks, livestock and gateways.
• Construction and civil engineering: plant, materials and site cabins. Pair it with our construction time-lapse guide.
• Car parks, allotments and sports grounds.
• Events and temporary sites.
• Utilities and remote assets such as pumping stations and telecom sites.

Hikvision solar and 4G cameras we stock

• DS-2XS2T47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 4MP ColorVu solar-powered setup (4mm), also in a 6mm version for a narrower, longer view.
• DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/C36S80 8MP ColorVu solar power 4G camera kit.
• DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G 8MP ColorVu 4G camera, if you're supplying your own power.

Newer models add ColorVu full-colour night vision, so you get colour detail of vehicles and clothing after dark.

What to check before you buy

• 4G signal at the exact mounting spot. Check it with a phone on the same network before you order the SIM.
• Sunlight: the panel needs a clear, south-facing aspect. UK winters are short and grey, so allow for that.
• Data plan large enough for how often you'll view live video.
• Mounting height and security, so the unit itself is hard to reach and tamper with.

Our take

Solar 4G cameras have turned "we can't have CCTV there" into "where do you want it?" For farms, building sites and remote compounds, they can work out cheaper than running power to a remote spot. Just be realistic about UK winter sunlight and check the 4G signal first.

Want help choosing a solar camera for your site? Call 01902 902251. As an authorised Hikvision partner, we ship nationally to England, Scotland and Wales.

Quick questions

Do solar CCTV cameras work in winter?
Yes, with limits. Hikvision's original setup quoted up to 7 days of operation in cloudy weather from a full charge. Panel position and UK daylight hours make a big difference.

Do I need Wi-Fi?
No. Hikvision's solar setups use 4G with a SIM card.

Where is footage stored?
On the camera's memory card and built-in storage, and you can view it remotely over 4G.

Can one person install it?
Hikvision designed the setup for single-person installation on a pole, with no cables to run.

Source: Hikvision UK newsroom, 18 March 2021.