In today’s world, security is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It protects us from threats both physical and digital. But what if we could power our security systems using solar energy? Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable sources of energy available today. It provides a host of advantages for those looking to safeguard their property or business. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways solar power is transforming security and why it is quickly becoming the future of powering security solutions.
What is solar energy?
Solar power is a renewable energy source derived from the sun, which can then be used to power homes and businesses. Solar power is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available and can be used in variety of ways, including generating electricity, providing light, heating water, or to power security solutions. The sun is a powerful source of energy, and we are only beginning to scratch the surface of how it can be used, including to protect people and businesses.
How solar energy works
Solar technologies work by converting sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar heat. These panels consist of materials that absorb the sun’s photons, the basic unit of all light. When the photons hit the panels, it creates an electrical current, which can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.
Security solutions typically use solar panels to harness power from the sun’s rays and, in contrast to popular belief, solar powered security solutions function in all kinds of weather. This makes solar power an excellent choice for security applications, as it can provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.
Due to the abundance of this renewable resource, it is no wonder that solar-powered security solutions are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly credentials and cost-effectiveness. As the world continues to move away from fossil fuels, solar power will become an increasingly important part of powering our security solutions.
Benefits of using solar energy for security solutions
Solar power is quickly becoming the energy of choice for a wide range of applications, from homes and businesses to security solutions such as perimeter fencing and access control systems. There are many reasons for this shift, Andres De La Ossa, Business Development Manager for Latin America, comments that the benefits range “from the economic, social, and environmental aspects that reduce costs and do not depend on conventional energy to ensure a security system stays operational.” De La Ossa also adds that the benefits extend to Channel Partners who can offer “custom security projects that are designed with renewable energies to create environmentally friendly solutions.” However, the two most important benefits that stand out to all are the environmental friendliness and the ease of installation in remote locations.
- Creates a culture of sustainability and environmental friendliness
Sustainability is a critical issue for today’s businesses. Solar power is a renewable resource that does not produce any harmful emissions, making it an ideal choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. A security solution able to be powered using solar energy is a significant consideration for businesses motivated to be more environmentally conscious. In addition to reducing emissions, solar-powered security solutions require less infrastructure and cause little disturbance to any natural environment or wildlife.
- Powers security in remote locations
Security solutions for sites and assets in remote locations is a significant challenge, as often no power supply or network cables are available. Solar panels can be easily installed on a variety of surfaces, making them perfect for powering security solutions that need to be installed in hard-to-reach places. Gallagher Security is making use of solar energy to power pulse fences in Colombia, De La Ossa explains that “solar energy is a great alternative for remote areas where there are no conventional energy supplies. It also generates less impact on the environment and guarantees optimal operation of security systems in hard-to-reach places.
How solar energy is being used in security
With its many advantages, it is no wonder that solar power is becoming the energy choice for a wide range of applications. Solar energy has been used to power everything from homes to cars. Now, it is time to harness its power for security purposes as well. There are many examples of renewable energy powering solutions from CCTV to fully integrated security solutions. A unique example is from Cercar Energy, a leading manufacturer of solar panels and non-conventional renewable energy sources.
To protect their brand-new logistics headquarters, Cercar Energy required a comprehensive security solution that would prevent intruders, simplify access, and, most importantly, keep their team of 40 staff and contractors safe. Cercar Energy opted to install a fully integrated access control, perimeter, and intrusion detection solution to deliver secure site management and simplify operations.
In what is a first for Gallagher’s security solutions in the Americas, Cercar Energy’s entire perimeter fence installation, access control, and intrusion protection is run from solar energy.
De La Ossa adds that “renewable energies will continue to take on more importance and it is crucial that we can adapt our solutions to generate a positive impact, that is Gallagher's way of saying that our solutions can operate with environmentally friendly energies to protect what matters most to us.”
With its many benefits, it is clear that solar energy is the future of powering security solutions.