AGL Cadell Solar Farm Construction Time-Lapse 

Sydney-based Electric Films installed two dedicated time-lapse cameras to document the construction of AGL's Cadell Solar Farm near Balranald in regional NSW over an 18-month build.

Two time-lapse cameras recorded the remote renewable energy installation as the solar panels progressed across the site. The long-term time-lapse record was supplemented with additional video before recording the official opening ceremony to produce a comprehensive promotional film.

Recording an eighteen-month solar farm build

Two custom 4m poles were rigged on site to record the construction of this large solar farm over the 18-month build. AGL was trialing a new rotating panel design. Six field trips were planned, and only four were needed to clean the lenses and solar panels, and to check the equipment. The time-lapse cameras were remotely operated via the 4G network, and site vision was streamed directly to the client's mobile devices.

Closer to the official opening, Electric Films set up additional cameras to record the farm in close-up. Two telescopic flagpoles were utilised to extend the height of the time-lapse units. This additional vision was edited for the opening ceremony, where the clients trekked the distance from Melbourne for the important event. Electric Films also shot the speeches and handover, producing a short film for AGL's promotional purposes.

The Cadell Solar Farm

AGL worked with Cadell Orchards through its operator, Australian Farming Services (AFS), to install an on-site microgrid at their 1,690 hectare almond orchard farm in Sunraysia, New South Wales.

Cadell Orchards' diesel-fuelled generators were powering their irrigation system at a significant cost and didn’t have great reliability. Since connecting to the electricity grid was too costly for their remote location, AGL helped install a microgrid and solar farm to lower energy costs and emissions, and support a more sustainable farming operation.

“With enough renewable energy to power a small town, this new solar farm is the size of two MCGs and will help Cadell Orchards cut thousands of tonnes of CO² emissions each year”, said Jo Egan, AGL’s Chief Customer Officer.

Camera maintenance and filming FAQs
What does the time-lapse service include?

The time-lapse service includes camera hire, daily remote surveillance, a progress video, and a site visit each month to check the equipment and clean the lens and solar panel. Regular maintenance is important on dusty construction sites. Site photographs are available anytime.

How are time-lapse cameras maintained?

Time-lapse camera service includes daily remote surveillance and, on long-term cameras, monthly site visits to clean the lens and solar panel and inspect the equipment. Camera positions are reviewed as construction progresses, with relocations discussed with the site manager when a better view becomes available on the Sydney site.

Can clients view images from the cameras remotely?

Yes. Remote access can be provided so project managers can view images from their Sydney or regional construction site on a mobile device. Images are uploaded daily directly to secure Electric Films servers. Project managers should discuss their access needs when planning the camera installation. Photographs are available anytime.

What shooting intervals are used for time-lapse filming?

The interval is tailored to the pace of the work. Long-term construction projects use ten-minute intervals. As construction nears completion, this is adjusted to five minutes to capture stunning day-to-night transitions, showcasing your finished building at its absolute best. For shorter projects lasting a day or two, intervals can be as brief as 30 seconds.

Do the cameras need a nearby power outlet?

No. Our outdoor setups utilise custom-built solar systems, while battery-powered cameras are used for interior filming. This means camera positions never need to be tethered to a power outlet.

What videos do clients receive?

For long-term projects, you will receive monthly progress videos that are a good length for team reviews and sharing. Aerial footage is always included with our drone services.

What is HDR shooting?

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. At each time-lapse interval, the camera takes three exposures: one normal, one darker, and one brighter. These are combined into a single frame using intensive processing power to retain maximum detail in bright areas and deep shadows.

Are conventional video and still photography services available?

Yes. In addition to time-lapse, Electric Films provides a complete video production service.

Where are time-lapse cameras mounted on construction sites?

Construction cameras can be mounted on rooftops, scaffolding, cranes, street poles or our custom poles. Street poles provide very useful viewpoints and allow installation within a day or two; negotiations with building managers can take longer. Camera positions are carefully selected by our multi-award-winning cinematographer.
To save your team time, Electric Films arranges all necessary installation permissions with local councils, power companies, and building management.

What happens if a camera gets bumped or its mounting moves?

Minor camera movement is corrected by stabilising the footage in Adobe After Effects. More significant shifts require realigning the images using a corner pin filter, or physically repositioning the camera. The time-lapse filming guide explains these methods in more detail.

Where repositioning is required, changing the viewing angle by 45 degrees or framing a different subject avoids a jump cut.

Can a time-lapse camera be moved?

Yes. A time-lapse camera stays fixed while recording each sequence, but can be repositioned as the project develops. Moving it at key stages lets us capture the best angles that are more engaging to watch.

How many camera relocations should we plan for?

Camera relocations allow us to track the progression of your site from the best possible angles. While a static setup works for some sites, even small projects look better with changing viewpoints, and larger developments benefit from additional positions. We recommend planning for at least two moves. Contact Graeme to tailor the perfect approach for your site.

How is camera movement managed when attached to scaffolding or cranes?

On construction sites, scaffolding and cranes can provide excellent viewpoints, but they naturally move. Videos are stabilised in Adobe After Effects. See an example here.

Can industrial work be filmed overnight or over several days?

Yes. A number of portable time-lapse cameras can record a specific operation overnight or over a weekend, often alongside long-term cameras documenting the same project. The M2 Freeway Bridge project demonstrates this approach. Project managers can share their work schedules with Graeme so coverage is planned precisely around key stages.