Protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure with effective solar farm security systems is something the team at Safeguard Systems do on a daily basis.
For some, the title of this blog may seem, obvious.
It’s about stopping panel theft, right?
Of course, that is a key objective for many O&M and EPC companies we engage with.
However, there are more.
Table of contents
As experts in effective solar farm security systems, we have written this article to help guide operators of solar farms on the key reasons they should invest thoroughly in site security.
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 it produces 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. In this case, £450,000 of solar panels were stolen from a site in the UK.
One of the key reasons O&M and EPC companies invest in dedicated solar farm security systems is to deter panel theft.
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
Cabling is 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
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 of 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
Looking to secure your solar farm?
Exoerts in solar farm security, CCTV and perimeter protection
