Dualcom supplied two Solar Camera Power Systems (SCPS) to Stellar for a lighting project in Christchurch, providing dedicated solar power for license plate recognition (LPR) cameras used in parking enforcement.
Each system brings together solar generation, battery storage, power conversion and remote monitoring on a purpose-built pole installation. This provides the power infrastructure needed to support the camera and communications equipment, with remote visibility of how the system is performing.
A Complete Power System
Dualcom supplied all power system hardware for the two installations, including the Dualcom-fabricated poles, micro-pile foundations, SCPS power cabinets and solar panels.
The pole-mounted arrangement brings the solar panel, power cabinet and camera equipment together in a compact installation. The SCPS cabinet houses the battery storage, solar charging equipment and power distribution components, keeping the equipment protected and accessible for servicing.
Solar energy charges the battery bank during the day, while stored energy supplies the connected equipment when solar generation is low or unavailable.
Powering the Camera and Communications Equipment
LPR installations need power for both the camera and the equipment that connects it to the wider network.
Each SCPS incorporates a 12V-to-48V DC–DC converter, providing the voltage required for the router and Power over Ethernet (PoE) LPR camera equipment. This allows the solar and battery system to support the connected devices through an integrated DC power arrangement.
Combining generation, storage and voltage conversion within one system gives the installation a dedicated power supply tailored to its equipment requirements.
Remote Visibility of System Performance
Integrated 4G connectivity allows the power systems to be monitored remotely, providing visibility beyond what can be seen during a site visit.
Key operating information includes:
- Battery state of charge (SOC): The estimated percentage of battery capacity remaining, helping assess the energy available to support the installation.
- MPPT solar charging data: Information from the Maximum Power Point Tracking solar charge controller, showing solar production and charging activity.
- Battery voltage: A view of battery operating conditions alongside SOC and charging information.
- Load current: The current being drawn by the connected equipment, helping identify demand and changes in consumption.
- Charging and consumption trends: Historical information that helps show how solar generation and equipment demand affect the battery over time.
Together, these readings help assess the balance between energy being generated, stored and consumed. They also support remote investigation of power issues and help inform maintenance decisions before attending the site.
Built Around the Installation
This project demonstrates Dualcom’s ability to supply the complete power infrastructure behind a solar camera installation - from the fabricated pole and foundation through to the cabinet, solar charging, DC-DC conversion and remote monitoring.
For Stellar’s Christchurch project, the two SCPS units provide an integrated solar power solution supporting LPR parking enforcement equipment, with the operating visibility needed to manage the power systems remotely.
Planning a solar-powered camera or remote equipment installation? Contact Dualcom to discuss a system suited to your site and power requirements.