Solar-powered CCTV systems are widely deployed across construction sites, remote assets, and critical infrastructure. However, as winter sets in, many of these systems begin to fall short, struggling to meet power demands due to reduced solar generation. The result: low battery alarms, offline cameras, and costly unplanned site visits to restore system operation or perform manual maintenance.
The Winter Reality for Solar CCTV Installations
Even in Australia, where sunlight is generally reliable year-round, winter presents a consistent set of challenges that can severely impact solar system performance:
- Shorter daylight hours limit available charging time
- Lower sun angles reduce panel efficiency and increase shading duration
- Prolonged cloud cover can span multiple days
- Persistent moisture and soiling degrade panel output even further
- Increased shadowing from buildings, vegetation, or equipment becomes more problematic due to the lower sun path
The impact is straightforward: reduced solar generation, while load requirements, particularly for night-vision cameras, routers, and recorders remain constant or increase. Systems designed around average daily solar yield often fail to deliver the necessary runtime during winter conditions.
Reliable Backup Starts with the EFOY Pro 2800
The EFOY Pro 2800 is a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that provides a smart, fully autonomous power source when a site's solar and battery system can no longer meet demand.
When battery voltage drops below a predefined threshold, the EFOY Pro 2800 automatically activates, recharges the battery bank, and then powers down once charging is complete. It operates silently, is compact in size, and performs reliably in all weather conditions, reducing the need for routine maintenance or unplanned site visits.
With a maximum output of 125W and up to 2.8 kWh of energy delivery per day, the EFOY Pro 2800 is ideally suited to support high-load CCTV installations during extended periods of low solar input, including the winter months.
Why Not Just Add More Batteries?
A common response when planning for extended backup is to simply add more battery capacity. On the surface, this seems like a straightforward way to increase system autonomy, however, this approach introduces new challenges in both system sizing and solar recovery that are often overlooked.
90W × 24 hours × 5 days = 10.8 kWh
10.8 kWh ÷ 0.8 = 13.5 kWh, or 562.5 Ah at 24V DC
EFOY vs. Generators vs. Oversizing System
| Feature | EFOY Pro 2800 | Diesel Generator | Oversized Battery |
| Silent Operation |
✅ |
❌ | ✅ |
| Auto Start / Stop | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Runtime (Weeks or Months) | ✅ | ❌ (limited by fuel) |
❌ (cost/weight) |
| Maintenance Required | None | Frequent | None |
| Cold Weather Performance | ✅ “Winter Mode” is automatically engaged when temperature drops below 5°C to prevent fuel cell freezing. |
❌ |
❌ |
| Environmental Impact | Low (CO₂ + water) |
High | Low |
Simple Retrofit into Existing Systems
One of the key advantages of the EFOY Pro 2800 is how easily it can be integrated into existing off-grid power systems. Because it operates as a DC charging source, it connects directly to the site's existing battery bank and charge control infrastructure without requiring a full system redesign. The EFOY’s intelligent control logic ensures it only activates when needed, making it ideal as a drop-in backup for solar-powered CCTV trailers, poles, or fixed-site enclosures. This ease of retrofit allows asset owners to upgrade system resilience quickly, cost-effectively, and with minimal downtime.
Real-World Impact
Deployments using the EFOY Pro 2800 have proven especially valuable in:
● Urban CCTV installations where solar panel size is constrained
● Remote locations with limited access and high call-out costs
● Temporary deployments requiring 100% availability regardless of weather
Hybrid systems also benefit from reduced solar and battery sizing - saving space, weight, and capital cost, while extending operational autonomy.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Backup
Solar alone rarely meets full uptime requirements year-round, especially for security-critical installations. A well-integrated hybrid system with the EFOY Pro 2800 ensures CCTV systems stay live in winter, during storms, or across prolonged overcast periods without manual intervention.
Powerbox Australia is the authorised distributor for SFC Energy in Australia and New Zealand, with over 10 years of experience delivering turnkey EFOY-based systems. We can support your needs from design and integration through to cartridge logistics and remote monitoring.
Get in touch to discuss how hybrid solar + fuel cell systems can safeguard your CCTV uptime through every season.
