Why Solar Farms Need Security – Protecting Revenue, Vandalism, Panel & Cable Theft

Protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure with effective solar farm security systems is something the team at Safeguard Systems does daily. As a result, we are well versed in the reasons why solar farms need security.

For some, the title of this blog may seem, obvious.

It’s about stopping solar panel theft, right?

Of course, that is a key objective for many O&M and EPC companies we engage with.

However, there are more. Read this article to deepen your understanding of the key reasons solar plants need security to protect their assets and revenue.

As a specialist solar farm security company, we have written this article to help O&M and EPC companies understand the key reasons they should invest thoroughly in site security.

Why do solar farms need security?

Owners and operators of utility scale solar sites face many security and operational concerns. Growing revenue, and maintaining a consistent flow of energy to the grid are two key objectives.

However, when it comes to security, solar farms are exposed to a range of threats. Each carries a different level of potential impact and risk.

Let’s take a walk through the key reasons solar plants benefit from deploying advanced security systems.

Maintaining operational continuity and revenue

Solar farms are now big business. Operators of solar farms generate millions of pounds in revenue from the sites they manage.

Throughout the rest of the article, we discuss threats such as panel and cable theft. Theft of this nature costs time and money to replace panels, machinery and cabling.

However, if solar farms are the subject of mass theft, the operation and the revenue they produce can be severely impacted.

For any business, theft can have a drastic impact on revenue and operations.

To help operators of solar farms maintain operational continuity and revenue we recommend:

• Offsite CCTV monitoring – 24/7 protection for a solar farm
• Perimeter security – alarms, advanced detection, and protection systems to spot and deter threats

Related reading: A guide to solar farm CCTV monitoring and perimeter protection 

Deterring and preventing solar panel theft

The cost of solar farm builds typically runs into the millions.

Solar panels cost thousands.

One of the key reasons O&M and EPC companies invest in dedicated security systems is to deter solar panel theft.

In a recent case, £450,000 of solar panels were stolen from a site in the UK. As a result, the loss of revenue and the cost of replacing the panels caused major disruption to this site.

If they cost thousands to replace, a suitable deterrent should be in place.

To deter criminals from stealing panels, we recommend:

• Offsite CCTV monitoring  – 24/7 protection for a solar farm

• Perimeter protection – advanced detection and protection systems to spot and deter threats

Related reading: The benefits of infra-red lighting for solar farm CCTV monitoring 

Deterring cable theft on solar sites

Historically, copper cabling has been sought after by criminals.

Solar farms provide the perfect opportunity for criminals as there is plenty of cabling on offer, and these sites are often in remote locations.

This gives criminals the opportunity and the time they need to commit, and potentially get away with the crime.

Cable can be stolen from solar farms during and after the build stage.

In this example, thieves stole kilometres of cabling from a solar farm in the North of England.

To deter criminals from stealing cabling, we recommend:

• Offsite CCTV monitoring  – 24/7 protection for a solar farm
• Perimeter security – advanced detection and protection systems to spot and deter threats

Related reading: How to improve intruder detection at solar farms

Public liability – trespass and accidents on solar farms

Trespass is often an issue for operators of businesses where the site is in a rural location, off the beaten track.

This can range from nosey locals, all the way to local youths looking to jump the fence and explore.

For operators of solar farms, each carries risks.

If a trespasser injures themselves on a site, who is to blame?

Without recorded and retrievable evidence, insurance claims against the business are a real threat.

To help deal with instances of trespass and injury on solar farms we recommend:

• High resolution IP CCTV cameras that capture crystal clear images even in low light
• CCTV signage, warning trespassers they are being watched
• Perimeter detection  – to spot trespassers as they approach a solar farm perimeter

Deterring plant equipment and machinery theft on solar farms

During the build phase of a solar farm, like all construction sites, plant machinery and building equipment is required.

Organised criminals often target construction sites.

Plant machinery and equipment such as diggers are rich pickings for thieves.

To help protect solar farms during the build phase we recommend:

• Offsite CCTV monitoring  – 24/7 protection for a solar farm
• Thorough checks on all construction workers
• Reading our short guide on how to protect plant machinery and equipment on construction sites.

Deterring vandalism on solar farms

Vandalism will impact operational continuity and revenue.

It will also cause operational headaches such as cost and the length of time it takes to replace them and associated costs.

To deter criminals from stealing cabling, we recommend:

• Offsite CCTV monitoring  – 24/7 protection for a solar farm
• Perimeter security – advanced detection and protection systems to spot and deter threats

Related reading: Solar farm CCTV case study

People also ask…

Here are a few short questions and answers covering why solar farms need security.