Question 1

Will I need planning permission on the farm?

Accepted Answer

For everyday agricultural and domestic use you almost never do. Listed barns, scheduled monuments and conservation areas can be the exception, so have a quick word with your local planning office if the building is protected.

Question 2

Which way should I point the solar panel?

Accepted Answer

Aim it due south if you can; south-east or south-west still gathers plenty of light. Give it a 30 to 40 degree tilt off flat to catch our low UK sun, and never let it face north.

Question 3

What's in the toolkit for this job?

Accepted Answer

Nothing exotic — a drill, a set of spanners, a screwdriver, a spirit level and a few cable ties. The brackets, bolts and fixings you need usually arrive in the box with the camera.

Question 4

How long will the whole job take me?

Accepted Answer

Most people have it watching the yard inside a couple of hours. Driving a pole adds a bit of graft over a simple wall bracket, but none of it calls for a tradesman.

Question 5

Can a farmer fit this single-handed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there's no mains wiring and no network engineer required. Every stage is covered here, and if you get stuck our team is on the end of the phone to talk you through it.

Question 6

Won't the battery flatten on short winter days?

Accepted Answer

A properly specified solar camera is built for a British winter. Set the panel up as we describe and it should keep its charge through the darkest, shortest days of the year.

Question 7

How do I stop it being nicked from a remote field?

Accepted Answer

Fix it well out of easy reach, use the security screws supplied, and for an exposed gateway or lone shed consider a steel cage or a lockable housing over the top.

Solar CCTV Install Guide