WJ Sunstone has introduced HVO generator backup across its Detect Solar CCTV Tower range, the company said in November. The technology is already supporting live highways projects including the M60, A30, A40, M6, and A66.
The towers combine solar generation, battery storage and HVO generator backup. They are designed to deliver reliable off-grid surveillance while helping to reduce the frequency of refuelling visits.
01Built for remote and restricted-access sites
Detect is designed for highways and rail projects, critical national infrastructure construction sites and other remote or restricted-access locations. According to WJ Sunstone, it provides an off-grid power solution where mains electricity is limited and continuous surveillance is essential. The system supports 24/7 monitoring throughout the year while limiting unnecessary generator operation and fuel consumption.
For operators working in such locations, the company said extending the time between refuelling visits is a key benefit. Remote monitoring through WJ Sunstone’s Control system provides visibility of fuel levels, power usage and solar generation, which is intended to help support proactive maintenance planning.
The HVO backup system pairs an efficient generator with increased fuel storage capacity to support extended operation between fuel top-ups. WJ Sunstone said this can help reduce refuelling visits, engineering time and vehicle journeys. The company said this applies particularly at roadside, railside and other locations where repeat visits can be difficult to arrange. It noted that actual refuelling intervals will depend on power demand, solar generation and operating conditions.
02Specification and equipment
Detect is available with a 4m or 6m telescopic mast and features a 720W solar array, battery storage and HVO generator backup. Its configurable platform supports a range of equipment, including fixed, PTZ and 180- or 360-degree cameras, radar detection, thermal imaging and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). Communications equipment, including satellite connectivity such as Starlink, can be supported alongside cameras and other monitoring technology.
By combining solar generation and battery storage with HVO generator backup, the company describes the Detect range as a practical approach to maintaining reliable off-grid power without requiring a generator to run continuously. Readers weighing up wider perimeter measures may also find our guide to choosing gates for property security useful.
03Company comment
Tom Howarth, Head of WJ Sunstone, said: “Reliable surveillance is essential on major infrastructure schemes, but keeping equipment operational in remote or restricted-access locations can present challenges. Accessing a unit can require careful coordination, engineering resources and planning, so extending the time between refuelling visits can make a real difference to site operations.”
He added: “Our Detect range provides the resilience needed for year-round monitoring without relying on a generator running continuously. With units already supporting live highways projects, we’re highlighting how this technology can deliver practical benefits for our customers.”
WJ Sunstone is part of WJ Group, which was founded as a small, local road marking company. Initially specialising in temporary road markings, the group has since expanded across the UK and now delivers a wide range of highway safety services and solutions.
Details and image via WJ Sunstone.
