This post was originally published on February 14th, 2024, and updated on May 7th, 2026.
It’s a common scenario: whether it’s for security purposes, insurance requirements, or some other reason, you need to install construction cameras on your jobsite. However, you have one main problem — there are no power outlets to be found nearby. In fact, no power or cabling could be run to the multiple camera mounting locations scattered throughout the jobsite.
It’s for this very reason that solar-powered cameras have become commonplace in construction projects. Let’s dive into understanding why this is, how solar power technology has changed over the years, and what you should expect in a modern solar-powered camera. If you’re weighing the question ‘are solar-powered security cameras worth it’ for a power-starved site, today’s systems often deliver dependable performance as an outdoor solar security camera setup.
The Need for Solar Construction Cameras
According to a report published by Dodge Data & Analytics, 79% of construction firms were utilizing cameras on their jobsites pre-pandemic. Given the rising adoption of digital tools in the industry since, that percentage is likely higher today. That’s because cameras can assist in various ways all at once, such as acting as a deterrent to theft, enabling remote jobsite monitoring, simplifying compliance audits, and improving efficiency and collaboration.
However, on jobsites where a source of power is inaccessible or nonexistent, a traditional wired camera system simply won’t work. This is where solar-powered construction cameras come into play, providing all the above benefits for large, sprawling construction sites, DOT projects, or jobsites in remote locations. Many teams still ask, ‘are solar powered security cameras any good?’ When paired with the right panels and battery storage, modern units can reliably deliver these advantages without 110V infrastructure.
Solar-powered cameras also have a key advantage over cameras using standard 110V: their power source is renewable. While this has long-term financial benefits, it’s also easier to manage than DIY jobsite cameras, many of which can be battery-powered and need their batteries regularly replaced or recharged.
How Solar Technology Became Accessible
As with all technology, solar power setups have improved over time. The first solar panels of 1883, which used selenium and gold to produce an electrical current, are a far cry from the solar panels of the present.
Since the 1950s, most solar panels have been made from silicon solar cells, which are much more efficient than selenium-based ones. However, these solar cells were expensive, meaning solar power was still out of reach for the general public.
Enter the 1970s energy crisis. To make solar power a viable alternative for public and commercial use, the US government passed the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974. With this investment into research came incentives for people who utilized solar power, thus leading to the rapid increase in the usage of solar panels in the modern age.
According to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar power has seen an average annual growth rate of 24% over the past decade. This is primarily due to falling installation costs, which have decreased by over 40% in the last ten years.
With lowering production costs, continuous technological improvements, simplified installation processes, and federal energy tax credits, more construction firms have been able to access solar power for their jobsite cameras and other needs. Not only is this a great solution for projects without power, but it’s also a step toward environmental consciousness.
Solar Power Options for Jobsite Cameras
As more construction projects started to utilize solar power, different solutions had to be created to meet the specialized needs of the jobsite. There are two primary solar-power setups for cameras:
Solar Panels
The most common setup, standalone solar panels with a battery backup system, is the industry standard for powering jobsite cameras. The amount of power required for your camera and the panel wattage will determine the number of panels needed, and most systems will offer both wall and pole-mounting options.
Improvements to technology allow these backup systems to provide enough power for several days of camera operation, making them a reliable alternative to 110V power.
Mobile Surveillance Trailers
For a more adaptable solar-power source, mobile surveillance trailers offer a great solution. These trailers provide a built-in mast for camera mounting and can be easily moved around or between jobsites. Mobile trailers often have anywhere from one to four solar panels, typically include a robust battery backup system, and feature masts that vary widely in height.
Learn more about mobile surveillance trailers.
Yes. When matched with the right solar panels and battery storage, modern solar-powered camera systems deliver dependable performance on power-starved sites. Well-sized systems are designed to run through several overcast days using battery backup, providing a practical alternative to traditional wired power and avoiding the hassle of frequently swapping batteries common with DIY setups.
It depends on four factors: your location’s average sun exposure, the panel wattage, the battery capacity, and the camera’s power draw. Reputable vendors size systems to account for these variables so the batteries—often housed in a protective metal control box—can carry the camera through multiple cloudy days.
There are two primary setups:
Standalone solar panels with a battery backup, mountable on a wall or pole. This is the industry standard and can power most fixed or PTZ cameras for several days without sun.
Mobile surveillance trailers, which integrate a mast, one to four solar panels, and robust batteries. They’re easy to reposition around or between jobsites and come in various mast heights.
Advancements from early selenium cells to efficient silicon panels, policy support beginning with the 1974 Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, and steady market growth have all helped. Over the past decade, solar has averaged 24% annual growth while installation costs have dropped by more than 40%. Combined with simplified installations and federal energy tax credits, solar has become accessible for powering jobsite cameras.
TrueLook provides Solar Packages with high-efficiency panels, adjustable mounting hardware, and battery backups that supply multiple days of power. These can be leased or purchased and are eligible for a Federal Energy Tax Credit (ITC) via IRS Form 3468. TrueLook also offers mobile camera trailers. All solutions can power a range of fixed-position and PTZ TrueLook Cameras, which include live viewing, Intelligent Security, and custom time-lapsing.
It depends on your location’s average sun exposure, panel wattage, battery capacity, and the camera’s power draw; reputable vendors size systems so that several overcast days are covered. The panels can provide power for the battery system, which is typically stored in a metal control box to keep it safe from the elements. In the case of inclement weather or overcast skies, the battery backup system kicks on, using stored up energy from the solar panels to keep the camera running.
Harnessing Solar Power with TrueLook
As solar-powered security cameras for construction have grown in popularity on jobsites, TrueLook has continued to provide solar-power solutions that can be deployed quickly and easily.
TrueLook’s Solar Packages feature high-efficiency panels, a battery backup system that provides multiple days of power, and adjustable mounting hardware. These packages, which can be leased or purchased, are eligible for a Federal Energy Tax Credit (ITC) through Form 3468.
For jobsites that need more adaptable solar power, we also offer mobile camera trailers. All of these solutions are able to power a variety of fixed-position and PTZ TrueLook Cameras, which come standard with live viewing, Intelligent Security, and custom time-lapsing.
If you’re looking for a solar-powered camera for your jobsite, get in touch with one of our experts to receive a customized recommendation.
