Challenges & Barriers in the Solar Surveillance Camera Industry

Challenges & Barriers in the Solar Surveillance Camera Industry

Despite the rapid growth and market opportunities for solar-powered security cameras, the industry still faces several significant challenges that may hinder its full-scale development:

1. Global 4G Frequency Band Compatibility

• One of the major technical challenges is ensuring global 4G compatibility. Many manufacturers only support a limited number of regional 4G bands, resulting in poor or no connectivity in certain countries or regions.

• Without global band support (e.g., B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B39/B40/B41), deployment becomes fragmented and less scalable.

• This severely limits expansion into new markets like North America, the Middle East, and Africa where different 4G frequencies are used.

2. True 24/7 Continuous Recording Limitations (AOV Misconception)

• Current “AOV” (Always-On Video) solutions are often not truly 24/7 recording-capable.

• Most solar cameras rely on motion-triggered recording to conserve power, meaning they only capture video during events.

• Due to energy limitations, only a few high-end systems support continuous recording—and even these require large batteries, oversized solar panels, or grid support.

• This limits application in scenarios requiring full-time surveillance like construction sites, remote facilities, and critical infrastructure.

3. BMS (Battery Management System) Safety Risks

• As solar cameras depend heavily on lithium batteries, battery safety and stability are critical.

• Many manufacturers lack advanced BMS technology to properly manage charging/discharging, temperature control, and fault detection.

• Poor BMS systems can lead to battery swelling, overheating, or even explosion/fire, especially in hot climates or under heavy usage.

• This is a major safety risk and a barrier for regulatory approval in many regions.

4. Optical Zoom Lens Capability Limitations

• High-magnification optical zoom lenses (e.g., 10X–30X) are essential for long-distance face or license plate recognition.

• However, most solar camera manufacturers only offer fixed-focus lenses due to the power consumption, size, and cost challenges of motorized zoom modules.

• Without optical zoom, it’s hard to meet demand for advanced perimeter monitoring, wide-area surveillance, or identification of targets at 50m+ distances.

• This limits adoption in high-security sectors like transportation, logistics, and law enforcement.

5. Additional Industry-Wide Challenges

• Weather Dependency: Solar cameras rely on sufficient sunlight, which affects performance during prolonged cloudy or rainy days unless battery capacity is large enough.

• Cost vs. Performance: Customers want low-cost devices with rich features (AI, cloud storage, 4G, PTZ), but this balance is difficult to achieve without compromising quality.

• After-Sales & Remote Support: In rural or developing regions, lack of local support services leads to low user satisfaction and high return rates.

💡 Suggestions for Overcoming These Challenges

• Invest in universal 4G modules with global band compatibility to support international deployment.

• Develop hybrid solar + AC power models for demanding applications requiring real 24/7 recording.

• Strengthen BMS R&D capabilities, including certifications like UN38.3 and IEC 62133 to ensure battery safety.

• Innovate in motorized lens technology and low-power PTZ solutions to offer optical zoom without draining power.

• Partner with local service providers for regional support, maintenance, and faster troubleshooting.