Does CCTV Cost a Lot of Electricity? A Complete Guide for San Francisco Homeowners
For homeowners and businesses investing in CCTV Installation San Francisco, one of the most common concerns is: Does a security camera system significantly increase my electricity bill? With energy prices climbing and sustainability becoming a top priority, it’s a smart question to ask before committing to a long-term surveillance solution.
The good news is that modern CCTV systems are far more energy-efficient than most people think. Most cameras use minimal power — often less than a standard light bulb — yet they provide 24/7 protection and peace of mind. This guide breaks down how much electricity CCTV systems actually consume, what that means for your monthly bill in San Francisco, and how you can optimize your setup for maximum efficiency.
Table of Contents
- Understanding CCTV Power Consumption
- Average Electricity Costs in San Francisco, CA
- How to Calculate CCTV Energy Usage and Costs
- Factors That Affect CCTV Power Consumption
- Comparing Wired vs. Wireless CCTV Power Usage
- Tips to Reduce CCTV Electricity Costs
- Environmental Impact and Energy-Efficient Solutions
- Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- FAQs
1. Understanding CCTV Power Consumption
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras are designed for continuous operation, but they don’t consume nearly as much electricity as large household appliances. Their power draw depends mainly on:
- Camera type: Dome, bullet, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), or IP cameras.
- Features: Infrared night vision, motion detection, audio recording, or AI analytics.
- Power source: PoE (Power over Ethernet) vs. separate power adapters.
- System size: Number of cameras and presence of a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR).
Typical Power Ratings:
- Basic wired CCTV camera: 2–4 watts
- Infrared night vision camera: 5–7 watts
- PTZ camera: 10–20 watts
- NVR/DVR: 10–40 watts
Even with multiple cameras, the overall energy use remains relatively modest compared to other household electronics.
2. Average Electricity Costs in San Francisco, CA
Electricity rates vary significantly by location. In San Francisco, homeowners pay some of the highest utility rates in the U.S. According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) data (2025):
- Residential average: ~33.5¢ per kWh
- Commercial average: ~29.8¢ per kWh
Understanding this baseline is key to estimating how CCTV power consumption translates into actual cost.
3. How to Calculate CCTV Energy Usage and Costs
You can calculate CCTV electricity usage using a simple formula:
Power (W) × Hours per Day ÷ 1000 × Cost per kWh = Daily Cost
Let’s calculate an example based on a standard four-camera system in a San Francisco home:
- Each camera: 5 watts
- Total power: 5W × 4 cameras = 20 watts
- NVR: 30 watts
- Combined total: 50 watts (0.05 kW)
Now multiply by 24 hours:
- 0.05 kW × 24 hours = 1.2 kWh/day
Cost per day:
- 1.2 × $0.335 = $0.402/day
Cost per month:
- $0.402 × 30 days ≈ $12.06/month
Result: A typical CCTV system costs about $12 per month to run in San Francisco — roughly the same as running a single LED light bulb continuously.
4. Factors That Affect CCTV Power Consumption
Not all systems consume power equally. Several variables influence how much electricity your CCTV setup uses:
a. Number of Cameras
More cameras mean higher total wattage. A small two-camera setup may use under 20 watts, while a large commercial system can exceed 150 watts.
b. Resolution and Features
High-resolution 4K cameras, built-in analytics, and AI-based motion detection consume more power than standard 1080p models.
c. Night Vision Usage
Infrared LEDs activate automatically at night and can increase consumption by 20–40%.
d. Recorder and Storage
NVRs/DVRs, especially those with built-in hard drives and fans, use additional power — often more than the cameras themselves.
e. Wired vs. Wireless
Wired PoE cameras tend to be slightly more efficient than Wi-Fi cameras, which draw extra power for wireless connectivity.
5. Comparing Wired vs. Wireless CCTV Power Usage
| Feature | Wired (PoE) | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
|---|---|---|
| Power consumption | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Average per camera | 4–7W | 5–8W |
| Network equipment power | Included in PoE switch | Router power adds ~5–10W |
| Efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
While the difference isn’t massive, wired systems are generally more energy-efficient and reliable — ideal for San Francisco properties where continuous uptime is essential.
6. Tips to Reduce CCTV Electricity Costs
If you’re concerned about electricity bills, there are several ways to keep CCTV power usage to a minimum without compromising security:
Use Motion Detection
Cameras that record only when motion is detected can cut energy use by up to 30%.
Optimize Recording Schedules
Schedule cameras to operate at full capacity during high-risk hours (e.g., overnight) and reduce recording during the day.
Choose Energy-Efficient Models
Newer IP cameras and NVRs often come with low-power chips and sleep modes.
Maintain Your System
Dirty lenses, faulty power supplies, and outdated firmware can cause inefficiencies. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.
Leverage Smart Power Solutions
Consider using PoE injectors or smart plugs with timers to manage power usage intelligently.
7. Environmental Impact and Energy-Efficient Solutions
With San Francisco’s commitment to sustainability, many homeowners and businesses are turning to eco-friendly surveillance systems. Some modern CCTV solutions now feature:
- Low-voltage technology to reduce energy draw.
- Solar-powered cameras for off-grid operation.
- AI-based analytics to minimize unnecessary recording.
These advancements not only lower electricity usage but also reduce environmental impact — aligning with California’s broader climate goals.
8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
CCTV systems are remarkably energy-efficient, especially compared to other household devices. In San Francisco, where electricity costs are higher than the national average, a standard four-camera setup typically adds about $10–$15 per month to your utility bill. That’s a small price for round-the-clock protection of your property and loved ones.
By choosing the right equipment, optimizing settings, and following energy-saving tips, you can enjoy enhanced security without significantly increasing your energy consumption.