sustainability
Dakota Murphey
Dakota Murphey offers advice on how security systems can be operated sustainably using renewable energy sources.
Security is vital to any commercial organization. Business premises are an investment that you don't want to lose, whether it's the loss of equipment due to theft or the damage to your property by vandals. And in many cases, insurance requires protection and security measures. But for business owners who are aware of their carbon footprint or who want to cut their energy spending every year, it is also possible to run security systems with renewable energy sources that reduce costs and environmental impact. Here are four tips for powering security systems with renewable energy and what to consider when choosing your security equipment.
Choose your safety equipment carefully
Depending on the needs of your business and the size of your premises, there are numerous types of CCTV and security cameras on the market that provide businesses with a variety of security benefits. Therefore, a priority when moving to renewable energy sources is to consider the type of equipment needed. For example, solar and wind powered cameras use renewable energy to power the cameras directly and store additional energy that can be used when the resources aren't available to power them, such as when the sun goes down. Wireless cameras, on the other hand, require a separate power source to operate.
Think about what kind of renewable energy you need
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right renewable energy source for your business, from your budget to the space available to the complexity of management. Wind turbines, for example, are a powerful renewable energy source, but they need enough commercial space to benefit locally.
Likewise, hydropower uses the energy of water and even small systems can be powerful enough to run small commercial spaces. Solar energy is one of the most popular types of renewable energy for businesses because it is affordable, offers quick financial returns, and once converted, businesses will experience downtime for a hassle-free replacement in the near future. There are also numerous solar powered security cameras on the market that harness the power of the sun while protecting your business.
Check the capacity of your installation
The system must run continuously for optimal security. With this in mind, the renewable energy source you choose must be suitable for powering the security system you have installed and for charging the system's battery.
It is worth speaking to a specialist in this field to calculate the electrical installation requirements and to optimize your renewable energy system so that you do not spend too much or too little energy. However, if you are producing more energy than you need, there is also the option of reselling the electricity as an additional source of income that will benefit your business, cover your operating costs, and amortize the initial investment from the renewable energy facility.
Think about the placement
When choosing a solar or wind powered security camera for your business, you need to consider placement as it can aid or detract from its effectiveness. Where should the camera be installed that will provide protection while still receiving the most exposure for maximum performance?
In order for a solar-powered surveillance camera to remain operational around the clock, you need enough hours of sunshine to fully charge it when the sun is delivering 1,000 watts per square kilometer. It is not necessarily the time that the sun shines, but the intensity of the light, so this plays an important role in the positioning of the panel. Generally, south facing locations are the best option for maximum results.
Final thoughts
New technologies are constantly emerging and the renewable energy sector continues to develop year after year. With the climate crisis looming, more and more companies are looking for ways to introduce greener practices. In order to improve commercial security systems and reap the benefits of renewable energy, companies need to define their requirements early on and coordinate with experts in the field to ensure that the commercial property has sufficient power.
Check out the recent IFSEC Tech Talks from Fuel Cell Systems, in which the company explains why three of its green energy solutions based on hydrogen fuel cell technology are particularly well suited for security applications such as remote monitoring.
Connect with the security industry online from June 1st to June 30th
Connect 2021 is your first big opportunity from Jan. Meet the security industry online on June 1st!
The month-long online event gives attendees the opportunity to make up for lost time by browsing security solutions, connecting with suppliers, and accessing content from thought leaders – all from the comfort of your home or work!
4 tips for powering security systems with renewable energy
Dakota Murphey offers advice on how security systems can be operated sustainably using renewable energy sources.
Dakota Murphey
IFSEC Global | Security and fire news and resources