Guide to solar farm security

The UK is in the process of moving away from fossil fuels and towards greener, cleaner sources of renewable energy. This has seen solar farms becoming a familiar sight in many parts of the country.

With the government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, it’s predicted we could see a fivefold increase in solar developments by 2035.

But with solar panels, cabling, inverters and plant machinery all presenting an attractive haul for criminals, security is a big issue.

Any disruption on site, such as the theft of panels or cabling, can lead to a drop in the level of energy being generated by a solar farm, which in turn has the potential to see the site owners facing significant financial losses. Damage can also present a huge risk of electric shock to those working on site.

So, what steps can solar farm owners and operators take to best protect their assets?

Why are solar farms being targeted by criminals?

• Value of materials on site

Although solar panels have come down significantly in price, they still have an extremely high resale value. This makes them a highly desirable target for criminals. A solar farm will typically contain thousands of panels, so thieves only need to strike once to potential secure a large volume of panels. Alongside this, there are metal cables, invertors and a whole host of other working parts that can all be sold on. Even the build equipment itself can be a target during construction.

A solar farm in Shropshire recently lost £100,000 worth of copper cable overnight, while another site in Lancashire suffered a £70,000 loss after thieves made off with 220 solar panels. Similar incidents have also been reported in in Wales, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire.

• Rural location

 According to the UK Renewable Energy Hub, approximately 25 acres of land is required for every 5 megawatts (MV) of installation while 6-8 acres is needed for a 1MW farm. Land on this scale is difficult to source in urban areas but is abundant in rural communities, so solar farms are usually found in rural or agricultural locations.

Their isolated location and lengthy perimeters make them an even more appealing target for criminals. Far from the bright lights, abundant CCTV and passing traffic of urban areas, solar farms offer little chance of being seen or disturbed in the act, if they don’t have the right security measures in place.

Most popular security measures for solar farms

Solar farm operators have a number of options when it comes to security measures that can be effective. The strongest defence will always be using a combination of measures that together can help reduce the unique threats faced by each individual site.

Far from being simply a tick-box exercise, any measures that are invested in need to be dependable, fit for purpose and delivered by a knowledgeable team. Security also needs to be considered early in the process and not left until the project is underway, as this leaves the site at great risk.

Here are some of the most popular security measures used on solar farms today:

1. Manned guarding

 The physical presence of security personnel on site 24/7 can be a powerful criminal deterrent, especially at key times in the construction process. Access control is another key factor. It’s vital sites keep a tight grip on who is entering and leaving, not just for health and safety requirements but for protecting against equipment theft. Having a security guard checking IDs at a singular site access point, who is responsible for keeping accurate records of everyone who enters and leaves the site, can deter criminals from trying to slip on site and drive off with valuable tools or materials.

By engaging a professional security provider you can arrange for a licensed manned guard to be on your premises 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. You won’t have to worry about sourcing the guard or running any criminal DBS or background checks, as all that will be taken care of for you. You won’t even need to add them to your payroll, employer’s liability insurance, or workplace pension plan as they’ll be compensated directly by their employer.

2. CCTV and remote monitoring

Solar farm sites typically cover a very large area and that means there will be many potential places that a criminal gang might attempt to gain access. They won’t all be feasible or accessible for vehicles, however.

One of the best ways to keep watch on the whole perimeter is by using CCTV – which can be a deterrent in itself.

A good standard CCTV system will use high-definition cameras that will be installed without leaving any blind spots and at a height from the ground, so they can’t easily be made inoperable by criminals.

Crucially, any CCTV systems installed need to be actively monitored and responded to. Such remote monitoring services can be provided 24/7, overnight or during unmanned hours, depending on need. The monitoring team can catch and deter intruders in the act, alerting the emergency services and key holders when appropriate and even giving a live audio warning, so intruders know they’ve been spotted! 

3. Perimeter fencing and alarms

Perimeter security with secured access points is vital for keeping out trespassers, but there are some challenges in relation to solar farms. Due to their rural location, there are restrictions on the type of fencing that can be used to secure the perimeter of a solar farm, so as not to spoil the landscape. There are also considerations that need to be made in relation to its impact on wildlife, such as deer.

One of the main aims of perimeter fencing is to prevent vehicular access, with criminals always seeking the quickest methods for access and then getaway. By stopping vehicles getting close or accessing the solar farm, there is less chance that equipment could potentially be taken.

4. Mobile security patrols

Many solar farm break-ins occur under the cover of darkness – which in isolated rural areas provides a perfect shield for criminals to attempt to break in and make off with equipment. Having a mobile security team visit the site at random times throughout the night can help reduce any window of opportunity. They can be highly effective when used alongside other measures, such as perimeter fencing alarms and CCTV, but with a significant cost reduction when compared to manned guarding.

Mobile security officers can also respond to alarm activations (including monitored CCTV activations) on a solar farm. Being trained in conflict management, evidence gathering and crime scene preservation, they can ensure any situation that is unfolding is dealt with in the correct way, giving you a greater chance of catching those responsible and preventing a follow-up attack.

Want to discuss security for your solar farm?

At Venture, our award-winning team can support you in preparing and fulfilling a security management plan for your solar farm. Call us on 01264 391 538 or email [email protected] to more details.