Power method matters more than you'd think
Most people focus on camera resolution and brand when planning a CCTV system. Power method is an afterthought — until the camera goes offline at 2am because the solar battery drained, or you realise you have no power points anywhere near where the camera needs to go.
There are three main ways to power a security camera: mains AC wiring, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and solar with a battery. Each suits a different situation. Here's an honest breakdown.
Mains wired (AC powered)
A standard power point at or near the camera location. The camera plugs in like any other appliance, and a separate cable (or built-in WiFi) handles video.
Best for:
- Indoor cameras near existing power points
- Locations where you already have an electrician running other cabling
- Budget-conscious setups where running a dedicated data cable isn't needed
Drawbacks:
- You need a power point within reach — or an electrician to add one
- Two separate cable runs (power + video) unless you use WiFi
- If power goes out, so does the camera (unless you have a UPS)
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
PoE is the method we use on the majority of our installations. A single CAT6 cable runs from the camera to a PoE NVR or PoE switch — that one cable carries both power and video. No power point needed at the camera end.
Best for:
- Permanent residential and commercial installations
- Any location where running a power point would be difficult or expensive
- Systems where you want continuous 24/7 recording
- Properties with roof cavity access for hiding cables
Drawbacks:
- Requires cable runs — DIY is possible but professional installation gives a cleaner result
- Maximum cable run of 100 metres per camera (sufficient for all but the largest properties)
- Upfront cost is higher than a basic wireless camera
Why we prefer PoE: once installed, there is genuinely zero ongoing maintenance. The system runs continuously, stores locally, and doesn't depend on your WiFi or any third-party cloud service. It's the most reliable option available.
Solar powered
Solar cameras use a small panel to charge an onboard or attached battery. No cable runs required — just mount the camera and panel in a sunny spot.
Best for:
- Locations with no practical cable access — outbuildings, remote sheds, long fence lines, rural properties
- Renters who can't drill or run cables
- Supplementing an existing wired system in hard-to-reach spots
Drawbacks:
- Weather dependent — consecutive overcast days drain the battery. Sydney's sun is generally good, but winter and extended rainy periods can cause cameras to go offline
- Motion-triggered only — solar cameras typically can't do 24/7 continuous recording; the battery simply won't last
- Battery degradation — lithium batteries in solar cameras lose capacity over 2–3 years and eventually need replacing
- Positioning constraint — the camera must be where the sun is, which isn't always where coverage is best
Solar cameras have improved significantly in recent years, and for secondary positions they're genuinely useful. But we wouldn't rely on solar for your primary entry points.
Side-by-side comparison
| Mains AC | PoE | Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cable runs required** | Power only | Single CAT6 | None |
| **Continuous recording** | Yes | Yes | No (motion only) |
| **Ongoing maintenance** | None | None | Battery monitoring |
| **Power outage resilience** | Fails (unless UPS) | Fails (unless UPS) | Continues |
| **Best location** | Near power points | Anywhere with cable access | Remote, cable-impractical spots |
| **Reliability** | High | Highest | Weather dependent |
What Lens Warrior typically installs
For a standard Sydney residential job:
- Main property cameras (front door, driveway, backyard): PoE via CAT6 run through the roof cavity to a central NVR. Reliable, continuous, no maintenance.
- Hard-to-cable spots (detached garage, back fence, side gate on long block): solar or battery-powered wireless camera as a secondary device.
This hybrid approach gives you the dependability of wired where it counts, without the cost of running cable to every corner of the property.
Does solar make sense in Sydney?
Sydney gets around 2,600 hours of sunshine a year — one of the sunniest capital cities in Australia. Solar cameras generally perform well here. The main risk periods are extended winter rain (June–July) and heavily overcast weeks.
If you're considering solar for a primary camera position, our advice is to treat it as a backup, not a primary. Pair it with a motion alert so you know if the camera goes offline.
Getting the power method right from the start
The most expensive mistake is installing a system and then realising the power method doesn't suit your usage — solar cameras that constantly go offline, or mains-wired cameras that need an electrician called back to add more power points.
Get in touch and we'll assess your property, recommend the right power method for each camera position, and quote the full installation including any cabling. No obligation.