With the UK's renewable energy sector booming and billions invested in critical infrastructure, solar farms have become fundamental to achieving Net Zero progress across the country.
But as the sector grows, so do the risks. Solar farm theft, particularly at development sites, has reached alarming levels across the UK, with some sites facing losses of over £100,000 in damages and replacements.
To avoid becoming another statistic, more solar farm developers are turning to advanced remote CCTV monitoring to safeguard valuable equipment. But how does remote monitoring improve solar farm security systems? Does it offer genuine cost savings?
This guide explores the real benefits of remote monitoring, the security options available and how WCCTV can help protect your investments.
Why Solar Sites Need Security
Solar development sites and operational farms face several security challenges that make them prime targets for theft, vandalism and unauthorised access by trespassers and/or squatters.
Police data showed a staggering 48% increase in solar panel and copper cable theft between 2021 and 2022. Many sites have suffered significant financial losses amounting to thousands of pounds.
Renewable energy sites under construction are particularly vulnerable to criminal activity as they generally lack proper solar farm security systems, leaving valuable equipment exposed. This allows opportunistic thieves and organised criminal groups to steal in bulk or cause damage.
Common security threats include:
- Theft and organised crime: Copper cable theft costs the renewable energy sector millions annually. Solar panels and inverters are also targeted due to their high resale value on the black market.
- Vandalism and unauthorised access: Trespassers and vandals can cause significant damage to perimeter fencing, solar panels and other critical infrastructure.
- Remote locations: Most solar sites are situated in rural locations, giving criminals sufficient time to operate undetected.
- Valuable assets: Copper cables and solar panels come with a hefty price tag, making them an attractive target for theft. With global copper demand forecasted to increase by 70% by 2050, solar installations face heightened security risks.
What inadequate security really costs
Poor security measures (or their absence) cost solar farms and development sites far more than just replacing stolen or damaged equipment:
- Operational disruptions and delays: Security breaches can delay solar projects and power generation, impacting Net Zero goals and resulting in contractual fines.
- Direct financial losses: Direct theft costs can be substantial, with repeat heists on larger installations costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.
- Revenue loss: Every day a solar farm operates below capacity represents lost revenue.
- Public liability risks: Injury to intruders (even if they are there unlawfully) can result in legal action and compensation claims.
- Higher increase premiums: Solar farms and development sites can face higher insurance premiums or policy exclusions if proper security is not in place.
- Poor ROI: Security breaches impact profitability and long-term investment returns.
Understanding the cost of solar farm theft makes the importance of security clearer than ever.
Let's go into more detail about how remote monitoring services benefit solar farms and those still under construction.
7 Benefits of Remote CCTV Monitoring for Solar Farm Security
Remote CCTV monitoring provides multiple benefits for protecting solar sites. Here are 7 key advantages:
1. Real-time threat detection
Advanced CCTV systems identify security threats before they escalate. This immediate detection enables a quick response rather than discovering incidents hours (or days) later.
2. Rapid response
Professional remote monitoring services respond to security threats promptly. Mobile keyholding response teams dispatch trained security personnel immediately when incidents occur.
3. Reduced need for on-site security personnel
Remote CCTV monitoring can save solar site operators up to 88% compared to onsite security guards, providing comprehensive site protection at a fraction of the cost.
4. Evidence gathering
High-quality CCTV systems equipped with HD 4K PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras capture detailed footage of theft and vandalism attempts, providing evidence for police inquiries and insurance claims.
5. Flexible deployment for temp needs
Temporary CCTV solutions provide rapid deployment systems for any environment, from operational solar farms and short-term projects to vacant land and development sites. Operating solely on solar power, these fully-managed autonomous solutions are ideal for remote locations and/or when security is needed most.
6. Scalability
Remote CCTV monitoring systems can easily scale to cover new areas or be repositioned when site layouts change. Flexible rental options make site security more affordable for solar farm owners, providing protection for as long as it's needed.
7. Eco-friendly operation
Environmentally conscious security systems, like solar-powered CCTV systems, align perfectly with the Net Zero goals of solar farms. Their autonomous design reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cuts operational expenses and provides uninterrupted surveillance for up to 20 weeks without mains power.
Now that we've explored the benefits of remote CCTV monitoring, let's take a closer look at site security solutions available across the UK.
WCCTV's Fully-Managed Solar Site Security Solutions
We provide comprehensive solar farm security solutions specially designed for solar farm operators and developers. Here are several key features:
24/7 Remote CCTV monitoring
Our remote CCTV monitoring services are linked to NSI Gold Accredited monitoring centres, providing day-to-night surveillance by trained security professionals who assess threats in real-time. They activate audio warnings and rapid response that aims to prevent criminal activity on-site.
Rather than static devices that merely record what happens, remote monitoring helps deter intruders and detect security breaches before they cause harm or damage. When threats are detected, keyholding and alarm response teams are dispatched to your site, and provide incident reports and/or contact emergency services when required.
Additionally, our PTZ CCTV cameras feature in-built AI-powered video analytics that learn normal site patterns, identifying suspicious behaviour that may indicate criminal activity. These advanced security solutions help prevent false alarms, differentiating genuine security threats from harmless movement caused by wildlife or foliage.
Redeployable CCTV cameras
Redeployable CCTV cameras are movable surveillance units designed for rapid installation and easy repositioning. They combine PTZ camera, mobile transmission technology, onboard recording and built-in remote diagnostic Heartbeat software into a single, self-contained solution.
CCTV Towers
Our CCTV Towers serve as both a physical deterrent and a live monitoring tool. Standing up to 6 metres tall and providing near-360° camera coverage, they help deter intruders without the cost or complexity of manned guarding or permanent infrastructure.
We offer various CCTV Towers for the renewable energy sector:
Temporary CCTV
Temporary CCTV systems are ideal for both development sites and operational solar farms. Trusted across multiple sectors and site types, these fully-managed, autonomous security solutions are quick to install, protecting your investments when you need it most.
Mobile keyholding and alarm response
As mentioned, all of our CCTV systems are connected to live monitoring centres that review camera footage and initiate immediate action in real-time. Our keyholding and alarm response teams attend your site on your behalf, removing the burden from you and your operational team.
Time Lapse Video
Our advanced Time Lapse Cameras condense weeks or months of recorded footage into short, engaging clips that give you a complete site overview in minutes. This feature can be added to our CCTV Towers or used as a standalone solution depending on your specific requirements. Ideal for short or long-term developments in isolated locations.
Additional features
- Site condition monitoring: Advanced CCTV cameras equipped with IoT-based sensors that monitor environmental factors on solar and development sites. They track dust, humidity, CO₂ emissions, vibrations and weather in real-time, ensuring regulatory compliance and site protection.
- Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDs): Our solar farm security systems integrate with PIDs, including ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), for 24/7 protection of critical infrastructure. Our portable Hornet system features 4 HD cameras that provide near-360° coverage for your peace of mind.
- Stellifii software: A powerful cloud-based ecosystem that combines video, analytics and IoT data into a single remotely accessible interface. With smooth integration of IoT environmental sensors, Stellifii takes rapid deployment cameras beyond traditional security, enabling smarter site monitoring.
If you're still unsure which CCTV system is right for your solar site, contact the WCCTV team for further assistance.
Work With Remote Monitoring Specialists Today
Remote CCTV monitoring as part of your solar farm security is a strategic advantage that protects your investments against theft, vandalism, trespassing and operational disruptions. Our fully-managed security services handle every aspect of your security requirements, from installation to decommission and everything in between.
With over 20-years of experience in remote surveillance, we understand the unique challenges that solar farms and development sites face in the UK.
Don't leave your site vulnerable to security risks. Contact our team to discuss your security needs today.
FAQs
How quickly can remote CCTV monitoring be deployed at solar sites?
Our rapid deployment CCTV systems can typically be installed within 24-48 hours, ensuring critical infrastructure is protected within hours, not weeks.
How does remote monitoring work?
Remote CCTV monitoring works by sending an instant alert to remote monitoring centres when security threats are detected. Trained personnel review your camera footage in real-time if there's suspicious behaviour and issue a live audio warning, trigger sirens and/or dispatch mobile keyholding teams to investigate the incident.
What are the best solar farm security systems?
The best solar farm security systems feature various security measures for full-spec protection. These include secure perimeter fencing, advanced CCTV cameras with thermal and night vision capabilities, remote CCTV monitoring services and onsite security guards.
How does remote monitoring improve solar farm security?
Remote CCTV monitoring can improve solar farm security in many ways, providing comprehensive coverage at a fraction of the cost of onsite security guards. These advanced systems feature detection mechanisms that include infrared (IR) sensors, thermal imagery cameras, intelligent AI-video analytics and perimeter intrusion detection that prevent crime before it escalates.
