Your home security system needs solar power.
Have you ever seen a movie where the bad guys cut the power to a home right before they break in? It’s done in real life, too. In addition to having the advantage of darkness, the home invaders are able to shut down the homeowner’s security system. This buys them extra time to find what they came to steal.
Maybe it’s time to start thinking about taking your home security system off the electrical grid and use solar-powered security gadgets instead. Some security equipment suppliers are already offering solar-powered lights, cameras and motion sensors.
In addition to staying on when access to the grid is interrupted, these gadgets have other advantages. Solar-powered lights, for example, give off a brighter and more glaring light than normal bulbs. Some solar-powered lights have sensors to turn them on at dusk and off at dawn, and can also be activated by remote control.
Solar motion sensors can turn on lights when someone is on your property, which serves as a deterrent to burglars. Solar security cameras that are in plain sight can also make a burglar think twice about choosing your home for his deeds. Make sure to acquire devices that have a long battery life.
This article from SurvivalLife.com, “Solar Energy: A Spotlight on Home Security,” will give you some ideas about what types of solar-powered security equipment you might want to look into getting and why.
Home security systems can be a valuable tool in keeping burglars and home invaders away from your property. But if they’re connected to a vulnerable electrical grid, are they really worth the money you’re spending on them? Have you ever tried using solar-powered security gadgets? If so, how did they work for you? Did you ever have a situation when the power went out but your security devices continued to function properly? I really hope to hear from you about this subject.
I have installed security and surveillance systems for the past twenty years in everything from homes, to factories; in bars, museums, yachts, even in police stations/jails.
That said, the best security system is the old fashioned hard-wired system. (They have back-up batteries already.) It is a great idea however, to hook up a solar charger to the back-up battery. You can get one real cheap at Harbor Freight.
Please note I said “old fashioned hard-wired”. The new wireless controls are really neat. They talk to you, “Disarm system now.” You can watch videos on the control panel (keypad). Really neat stuff… until a burglar kicks in your door and beats the control panel with a hammer (your system won’t work now, its brains have been smashed). The “old fashioned hard-wired” system’s brains are remote from the control panel (keypad), and can do all the things the wireless stuff can do, but much more securely.
On another note… wireless cameras suck in inclement weather and…. how do you power it? That’s right; you have to run a wire to it, or power it off a battery that might go dead; or a big, bulky solar charger with battery enclosure.
Kinda hard to keep a covert camera running without dependable power. And don’t forget… the DVR has to remain powered also.
Game trail cameras are something all together different as you know they only last so long, and the recording is kept on a removable SD card.
I have several motion sensors that aresolar powered and charge a backup battery. I am putting in an alarm system that runs off the mains but has a solar panel to keep the system charged when the power goes off. Here i Florida with the hurricanes power goes off for a while and people are very suprised when my lights come on and catch them. Just being able to charge my flashlihjt batteries and keep my freezer running is worth the cost as a full freezer can spoil and cost you $1000.00 easily. Build up a system slowly and learn what you need and just build for 50% more and you will be in good shape!
Frank Bates had the foresight to put out a product called, “Power4Patriots” “Your Guide to Energy Independence.” He provided a book, step by step video and reference material to build your own solar panels to supply electricity to your home so that you can be self sufficient from your local power grid.
Well folks, I am here to tell you, “I did it.” It really works. This program is really worth looking into. Frank, is way to modest to “blow his own horn.” He provides you with critical information that you can use to protect you and your family. I suggest that you take the time and seriously listen a little bit harder when he blogs something. It is for your benefit and well being.
Because I now have solar panels on my roof, thanks to “POWER4PATRIOTS,” I have been looking into switching everything in my home to run off solar power. For six dollars each, I can purchase a solar light to shed light on my sidewalk to my front door. It cost me $36.00 plus tax. I have a solar powered generator and solar power batteries that will kick on should the power goes off. I can use my solar powered generator to power my freezer and my refrigerator, also my security system, (Which is run through and connected to my computer.) Now that’s Sweet.
My wife thought I was off my rocker when I started to make changes in my home; until she saw our first bill from the electric company for $1.00 after the solar power system started to work. That’s right one freaking dollar. Now my wife is a believer. She doesn’t full understand why I am doing this; but she does loves free electricity.
I can’t really express myself as to how much I appreciate the good advice I received from Frank Bates. Thank-You, Frank. I’m listening.
Oh, Cliff, can we put you on camera?! You’re making me blush.
Anytime. :-)
I like the idea of a solar powered security system for the time when the SHTF. However, if the chaos really hits, what good would the system be, even though it is connected to a monitoring company. What is the actual chance that anyone, police or fire, etc. would respond to a call? I would have to think that a burglar or looter will be aware of the situation and continue with their crimes, believing that they are safe from the police. However, under normal circumstances, I think the solar powered system would be great.
how many solar panels for how much sq.footage
Geese work well too and will also keep the bugs down. Peacocks will do the work for ya’ too.
Don’t count out a good watch dog, like my Rottweiler. :-)
Hi Frank, Tell me why you can’t buy solar cells in the USA ????
Hi Frank. I have solar PV panel system as an on going work in progress. I like the small Harbor Freight system. Great starter kit that can be expanded. The 5 watt, 12 volt lights that come in the kit make great night lights inside the house. Their little charge controller has outlets to run or charge anything from a USB connector to a 400 watt 12 volt ligher plug charger. They also tap four low voltages with miniture phone plugs. I plug in four of Harbor Freight’s drive way motion detectors, off the power grid, and placed in the front and rear of a town house. Remember the feeling of safety when you first installed a battery backup lighting system, well that’s what I felt when I knew no one could come on my property undetected and steal something or just stand look through the windows.