People today are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and one way they can do so is by using renewable energy sources. Individuals aren’t alone either. Many companies, government entities, and more are doing the same. For example, quite a few today make use of security and surveillance systems that run on solar power.
Solar-powered automatic license plate recognition cameras are used in many locations today. They enhance the security of those areas where they are used and reduce the owner’s carbon footprint. Most people don’t know they are benefitting from this technology, but they do every day.
ALPR Technology and Its Increasing Popularity
Over the past decade or so, more organizations have turned to the automatic license plate recognition technology offered by Genetec. They recognize how valuable these tools are thanks to the sophisticated image-processing algorithms they use. The systems capture and interpret license plate numbers immediately, making them ideal for use in various applications. Countless people assume only law enforcement agencies use this technology, but it is also found in parking garages, at toll collection centers, and other locations. It is helpful for parking management and traffic monitoring, among other things.
Why are Sustainable Options Such a Hit?
People are concerned about the future. They see the effects of climate change in their daily lives and worry about the environment. They want to do their part and are turning to environmentally-friendly practices to reduce their impact on the planet.
In the past, security and surveillance systems were heavily dependent on electrical systems. Their power came from non-renewable sources, and every time they were used, greenhouse gas emissions would increase and energy would be consumed. As many of these systems were in operation around the clock, the amount of energy used was significant.
Once the users realized this impact, they began looking for alternatives. Solar-powered alternatives quickly became an option for many. They liked the fact that the systems only relied on the clean and abundant energy generated by the sun. Today, more people are choosing this option because they see the benefits of doing so.
How Do These Systems Work?
Solar-powered ALPR cameras come with photovoltaic panels that take the energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. No traditional power source is needed because clean energy runs the cameras. They run day and night without interruption, and any excess energy that is generated can be stored in batteries. This allows the cameras to continue running even when it is cloudy outside or there are low-light conditions.
The Benefits of Using Solar-Powered ALPR Cameras
Individuals and entities often choose to invest in this technology simply because they want to reduce their carbon footprint. They know using solar energy will help them do so. Greenhouse emissions decrease when clean energy is used rather than traditional energy sources. Making this move helps combat climate change while allowing users to move toward a low-carbon future. However, this is only one of several benefits seen with the use of this technology.
No wiring is needed when an organization or entity moves to solar-powered ALPR cameras. This means there is less infrastructure to maintain and installation costs decrease drastically. In addition, the cameras can be moved as needed without a lot of hassle. An organization can relocate the cameras and use them in remote areas where electricity isn’t available, allowing for increased coverage.
As these systems are designed to be used outdoors, they hold up in extreme weather conditions. A user won’t need to worry that the power will go out and their cameras won’t work, such as during a natural disaster or other emergency.
In addition, these cameras can be used with artificial intelligence and data analytics so users get more from the information collected. The AI algorithms process plate information instantaneously, so law enforcement can capture criminals, recover stolen cars, and catch other criminals in the act. Data analytics provide users with information about vehicle movement and traffic patterns, and law enforcement can discover more about crime trends in the area covered by the camera system.
Where This Might Not Be the Best Option
However, certain parts of the country are known for their cloudy days. According to Weather Station Advisor, Juneau, Alaska, is the cloudiest city in America when looking at cities with a minimum of 25,000 people. Residents spend 280 days a year under cloud cover.
Most people think this means the solar-powered automatic license plate recognition cameras wouldn’t work in the city. Thanks to the AutoVuCloudrunner solution, the city may be able to benefit from this technology. This system optimizes power consumption and can run for almost two days with no sunlight. It’s an option a city might wish to explore if it wants to move to ALPR technology without paying a fortune to power the system.
However, there may not be enough sunlight to power the system, which is why any buyer needs to work with a reputable provider. This provider will help them find the solution that best meets their unique needs. In addition, the purchaser must consider the maintenance requirements of the system and its location to ensure this is a viable option for the buyer’s needs.
People love it when security and sustainability go hand in hand. Solar-powered automatic license plate recognition cameras work to bring the two together. Although more work needs to be done in certain areas, such as in powering the cameras in cloudy areas, the progress that has been made is impressive.
Harnessing the sun’s power allows the user to reduce their environmental impact without taking away from other areas of life. They save money by choosing this option and feel confident the system is extremely resilient. With the help of this system, any individual or entity will find it easier to tackle crime, as data analytics and AI come together in a robust program. Furthermore, traffic management improves.
These devices may become the norm, as the country moves toward a greener future. They will probably play a key role in creating a future that is safer and more sustainable. Learn more today about this incredible option and its benefits. Those who do so typically find it is the right choice for their needs.
