Solar vs wired CCTV for building sites
Which camera setup actually protects a Melbourne building site, from bare slab to handover? A plain comparison of power, setup, cost and what happens when the site changes.
The short answer
For most building sites, solar CCTV is the better choice. A solar and 4G site camera like the Site Vision Cam runs on its own panel and battery, needs no mains power, trenching or internet, and can be installed on day one before the temporary board is connected. It keeps recording if site power is switched off or a cable is cut, and it can be moved as the build moves from slab to frame to lock-up. Wired CCTV makes sense when a site has reliable permanent power and a fixed layout for a year or more, such as a large commercial project with a powered site office. Site Vision Security, based in Hallam, hires solar site cameras from $869 for 3 months including GST and installs permanent wired systems at handover.
Solar 4G site camera vs wired site CCTV
How the two compare on the things that matter on a live building site.
| What matters | Solar 4G site camera (Site Vision Cam) | Wired site CCTV |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Own solar panel and battery. No mains power needed. | Needs power from the temporary board or a permanent supply. |
| Internet | Built-in 4G. No NBN, router or Wi-Fi. | Needs an internet connection or separate 4G router for remote viewing. |
| When it can go up | Day one, on a bare block or early slab. | Once power and cabling are in place. |
| Installation | One steel pole. No trenching or cable runs. | Cable runs, mounting points, a recorder and usually an electrician. |
| If site power goes off | Keeps recording on battery. | Goes dark until power is restored. |
| When the site changes | Pole is relocated by our team as stages change. | Cables and cameras need re-running or removing. |
| Night footage | Full colour night vision, 4K PTZ with zoom. | Depends on the cameras chosen. |
| Scaring people off | Siren, warning light and blue strobe you trigger from your phone, plus branded pole and signs. | Usually recording only, unless sirens and lights are added. |
| Cost model | Fixed-term hire from $869 for 3 months inc GST. No equipment to buy or remove. | Upfront purchase plus installation and removal at handover. |
| Best for | Home builds, townhouses, estates, renovations and most construction stages. | Long-term sites with permanent power and a fixed layout, and finished buildings. |
What decides it
Is there reliable power on site?
Early-stage sites rarely have it, and temporary boards get switched off or moved. If power is patchy, wired cameras will have gaps. Solar does not depend on it.
Site Vision Cam: solar and batteryHow often will the layout change?
Slab, frame, scaffold and lock-up all change what needs watching. A pole that can be moved beats cameras fixed to a fence or hoarding.
Site Vision Cam: relocated by our teamHow long is the job?
For a build that runs months, fixed-term hire avoids buying, installing and removing equipment. For a site that will be powered and fixed for years, owning wired CCTV can pay off.
Hire from $869 for 3 months inc GST- Do you want to stop theft or just record it? Footage helps after the fact. A siren, flashing light and visible signage stop most thieves before they reach the tools, timber and copper.
When we recommend wired instead
We install both, so we will tell you if solar is not the right fit.
Wired CCTV is the better choice once a building has permanent power and its layout is final: finished homes, shops, offices and warehouses, or a large commercial site with a powered compound for a year or more. Our licensed team designs and installs permanent CCTV, alarms and monitoring across Melbourne. See CCTV installation.
- During construction: a Site Vision Cam, installed on day one and moved as the build changes.
- At handover: a permanent wired system for the owner, designed and installed by the same local team.
- Licensed installer: installer licence (individual) 911-822-22S.
Site camera hire, priced per camera
Two simple hire options. Pick the one that fits your build.
Minimum 3-month hire applies to all camera systems. Installation and removal charges apply separately.
- Site Vision Cam on a steel pole
- 4G data and phone app
- Siren, warning light and signs
- Remote support from our team
- Site Vision Cam on a steel pole
- 4G data and phone app
- Siren, warning light and signs
- Remote support from our team
Separate one-off charges
Options (inc GST)
- Dual dome camera upgrade+ $22 a week
- Extra days after your hire ends$11 a day
- Two or more camerasBundle price
- Longer than 6 monthsProject rate
All prices are per camera and include GST, with ex GST prices shown for business customers. No lock-in after your hire period ends. Looking for trailer pricing? See the Trailer Cam.
Is solar or wired CCTV better for a building site?
For most building sites, solar is the better fit. A solar and 4G camera needs no mains power, cabling or internet, so it can go up on day one and move as the build changes. Wired CCTV suits sites with reliable permanent power and a long, fixed layout, such as a large commercial job with a powered site office.
Do solar security cameras work at night and in winter?
Yes. The Site Vision Cam has full colour night vision and a battery that charges from its solar panel during the day, so it keeps recording overnight and through cloudy Melbourne weeks. You still get live view and alerts on your phone after dark.
What happens to wired cameras if the temporary power is switched off?
They stop recording. Wired site cameras usually run from the temporary builders board, so a tripped switch, a disconnected board or a cut cable takes them offline, often without anyone noticing. A solar camera runs on its own panel and battery, so it keeps watching when site power is off.
Does a solar site camera need Wi-Fi or NBN?
No. The Site Vision Cam connects over 4G mobile, so there is no NBN, router or Wi-Fi to set up. It does need mobile coverage at the site. Give us the site address when you book and we can talk through coverage before installation.
Is it cheaper to hire a solar camera or install wired CCTV on site?
For a build that runs months rather than years, hiring is usually cheaper and simpler. Site Vision Cam hire is $869 for 3 months or $1,639 for 6 months including GST ($790 or $1,490 + GST), plus a one-off $275 including GST ($250 + GST) installation and removal fee. Wired CCTV adds cabling, an electrician, a recorder and an internet connection, then has to be removed at handover.
Can you install wired CCTV as well?
Yes. Site Vision Security installs permanent wired CCTV, alarms and monitoring for homes and businesses across Melbourne. Many builders use a Site Vision Cam during construction, then we install a permanent system for the owner at handover. Call 1300 108 555 for a free quote.
More from Site Vision
See the full Site Vision Cam specifications, real installs around Melbourne, site camera hire on the Mornington Peninsula, or Site Vision Pro for larger commercial sites.
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