If you drive in the UK, you’ve likely passed an infrastructure project—large-scale transport, utilities, and communication systems often built in remote locations with no mains power access.
Security across these sprawling, ever-changing sites is critical to keeping projects on schedule, yet it’s a challenge most solutions aren’t built for.
That’s where solar CCTV comes in. Virtual solar CCTV towers offer cost-effective, sustainable monitoring without reliance on mains power, making them ideal for long-term infrastructure projects.
In this guide, we’ll cover costs, remote operation, compliance, monitoring options, and real-world results from infrastructure teams.
How much does CCTV cost?
Typically, solar CCTV hire costs around £200 per week (depending on duration and number of units required). Delivery and collection costs are charged separately based on distance only, we don’t profit from transportation.
While solar CCTV towers require a larger upfront investment than traditional CCTV (they require a solar platform, a trailer-mounted transport system, and full CCTV equipment), this is offset by eliminating ongoing generator or site power costs over a 3+ year project.
What’s included in our hire packages:
- Full system setup (local positioning and remote configuration)
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response
- Maintenance and system checks
- Incident reporting
- Peace of mind that we’re watching your assets when you can’t
How solar CCTV works off-grid
Unlike many competitor products, SmartWatch Solar CCTV towers operate autonomously year-round with minimal intervention. We calculate available power using only the minimum daylight hours to avoid system overload. Inside the unit, an inverter converts solar electricity into usable power, charging twelve gel batteries. CCTV equipment draws power from these batteries, and the entire power system is monitored 24 hours a day to ensure consistent site coverage.
Infrastructure-specific challenges we overcome: Infrastructure sites are constantly evolving, new structures block sunlight, demarcation lines shift, and welfare and office locations change. Our towers are designed for easy relocation with proper equipment, allowing us to adapt to ongoing site changes without service interruption.
For more on how solar CCTV operates in remote locations, see our detailed guide.
How to keep CCTV for infrastructure projects compliant
Regulations around privacy and data handling are constantly evolving, and we stay current with all requirements.
Key compliance considerations:
- Privacy signage – The public must be informed when being recorded. Adequate signage is vital.
- Sensitive projects – Many infrastructure projects require NDAA-approved CCTV systems, designed with enhanced cybersecurity to prevent breaches.
- Private dwelling masking – If cameras encroach on nearby housing, we use secure masking software to maintain privacy.
- Site conduct & H&S – Our engineers undergo continuous training on site conduct, PPE, and health and safety legislation. We maintain certifications for high-voltage substations, water projects, rail projects, and other sensitive environments.
We ensure full compliance; however, site teams remain responsible for appropriate signage and access controls around monitored areas.
For detailed regulatory guidance, see ICO CCTV guidance and HSE site safety standards.
Monitoring options
Typically, most of our Solar CCTV systems are hired, meaning all monitoring, maintenance, incident response and incident reporting is included in the hire cost.
If a client wishes to purchase a tower, we offer all the above options individually as separate annual agreements.
From theft crisis to zero intrusions: The A1 story
Costain was commissioned to modify the A1 at Burtley to Coalhouse in Lamesley, a remote, sprawling site with no mains power. After high-value thefts compromised the previous security provider, we deployed Solar CCTV Towers and Solar SiteGuard Detection units across the compound.
It resulted in zero intrusions within weeks.
Site teams regained confidence and could focus on delivery instead of managing losses and delays. The system adapted seamlessly to the site’s constantly evolving layout.
Material theft causes costly project delays and replacement logistics. Infrastructure projects face penalties for schedule overruns, and even brief work stoppages create significant financial exposure. Solar CCTV protects your timeline.
Protect more than just your site
Solar CCTV secures your premises, protects your assets, and keeps your project on track 24 hours a day, without the ongoing cost of generators or site power. It’s one less variable to manage on a project where every variable counts.
Ready to talk through your setup? Drop us a line, and we’ll walk you through costs, timelines, and what’s actually included, no jargon or surprises.
