Solar energy powers a significant portion of the UK's renewable energy mix. With over 1,300 operational solar farms and capacity projected to hit 70 GW by 2035, the sector plays a vital role in achieving the government's Net Zero targets.
But as the solar industry expands, so does the threat of crime. Remote locations and high-value assets such as copper cables and PV panels have made solar farms and development sites prime targets for both opportunistic thieves and organised criminal gangs.
The consequences of solar farm crime extend well beyond replacing stolen equipment. These incidents cause costly operational disruptions, increased insurance premiums and delays in reaching renewable energy goals.
In this guide, we'll discuss the importance of solar farm security and provide 5 security measures solar farm operators and development sites can take to protect the valuable assets that power our renewable energy future.
5 Ways to Improve Solar Farm Security at Remote Locations
Protecting valuable equipment on remote sites and those under construction requires a multi-layered solar farm security strategy.
By combining physical barriers, advanced surveillance systems and remote CCTV monitoring, operators can better protect their renewable energy investments and reduce the risk of costly disruptions.
1. Perimeter security
Physical barriers are your first line of defence against crime. They help prevent intruders, trespassers, squatters and vandals from gaining unauthorised access or causing damage.
- Anti-climb fencing: Standard fencing isn't enough. Invest in strong, anti-climb barriers, compliant with British anti-intrusion standards, with welded mesh and spiked tops that are difficult to cut or scale.
- CCTV Towers: These units are a strong visual deterrent, helping to stop intruders before they get too close to critical infrastructure. Our CCTV Towers stand up to 6 metres tall, offer near-360° coverage and can be installed within minutes (for standard setups). They are ideal for temporary use in high-risk areas where visibility is vital.
- Advanced perimeter systems: Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) help identify security breaches before an intruder can reach valuable equipment. Our portable Hornet PID unit adds an extra layer of security for hard-to-reach areas, helping protect blind spots, access routes and remote corners of your site.
- Advanced surveillance features: Our systems support a range of advanced surveillance systems with add-on features, including ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) for vehicle recognition and Time Lapse Cameras for continuous monitoring.
- Motion-triggered lighting and signage: Motion-activated lighting makes intruders more visible to cameras. Solar-powered options work perfectly in remote locations without mains electricity. Clear CCTV surveillance signage can also provide deterrent value.
2. Use smart cameras and AI-video analytics
Basic security cameras aren't sufficient for securing remote solar installations. You need smart surveillance systems with advanced features that can detect, verify and respond to threats in real-time.
- High-quality vision: Modern CCTV systems deliver clear HD and 4K footage via PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, helping you to identify intruders and gather usable evidence to back up insurance claims.
- Night vision: Most solar farm thefts occur in the darkness. CCTV cameras with high-res night vision capabilities are essential for 24/7 coverage. Our Smart Towers, with advanced AI-based detection technology and in-built infrared night vision, provide near-360° visibility via 3 high-definition PTZ cameras.
- Thermal imaging: Thermal cameras detect high temperatures, making intruders visible regardless of lighting or weather conditions. Our Thermal Solar Towers can detect persons or vehicles at distances up to 200 metres in fog, dust and darkness. These advanced capabilities combine thermal and optical cameras with onboard analytics that help detect and deter intrusions before they escalate.
- Flexible cameras and deployment: Offering near-360° remote solar farm protection, PTZ cameras cover large remote locations. All of our units combine a high-quality camera, mobile transmission technology, onboard recording and remote access software into a single, self-contained solution. Our Rapid Deployment and Temporary CCTV solutions can be quickly installed and moved to where they're needed most.
- AI-video analytics: Artificial intelligence teaches cameras to distinguish between genuine security threats and false alarms, like animals/swaying vegetation. Our Redeployable CCTV Cameras are equipped with advanced video analytics that detect motion and identify specific behaviours. We also offer advanced add-on features to our Towers, like site conditioning monitoring sensors that use IoT-based sensors to monitor noise, vibration and weather in real-time.
3. Remote CCTV monitoring
Solar farms and those under construction are often situated far from towns and city centres, where traditional security response times can be extremely slow. That's why remote CCTV monitoring as part of your solar farm security systems is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Our security solutions are purpose-built, offering 24/7 site protection through advanced CCTV technology. They're designed to stop trespassers, vandals and thieves before any damage is done, helping you avoid costly downtimes, disruptions and power output delays.
How does it work? Rather than relying on manned security personnel, your footage is continuously monitored in real-time by trained security professionals at our NSI Gold Accredited control centres. Our mobile keyholding and response services ensure a rapid response to any serious threat, reducing the burden on your operations team.
Our fully-managed services are significantly cheaper than hiring full-time security personnel, potentially saving solar farm operators up to 88%. Owners can rest assured that experts are always monitoring their site, even when they're not there.
4. On-site security and controlled entry
While technology lays the foundation of modern solar farm security, strategic human intervention and access controls provide additional protection layers.
- Our CCTV Towers serve dual purposes, both as surveillance tools and physical deterrents. Standing up to 6 metres tall, these "eyes in the sky" are visible for miles, often preventing crime before it even starts.
- On-site security personnel who conduct regular checks and patrols across large solar farm areas also play a role in deterring criminal activity. When combined with remote monitoring technology, surveillance systems can quickly notify security personnel about any suspicious behaviour, allowing for faster and more effective responses.
- Access control points help reduce unauthorised access to rural solar sites or those under construction. These security measures may include remote-controlled gates, anti-tamper padlocks, keycard/PIN systems and visitor logs.
The most effective way to protect your renewable energy investments is to combine technology with human oversight. Remote CCTV monitoring provides constant surveillance and threat verification, while on-site security guards can respond to confirmed threats.
5. Adopt new security tech
Forward-thinking technologies can add additional protection to solar farms. Below are a few suggestions:
- Smart sensors (IoT): IoT-powered data gathering sensors can do more than just detect potential intruders. They monitor noise, dust, CO₂, vibration and environmental factors (weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) around panels and other solar equipment in real-time. This can provide a clear indication of tampering and any potential impacts from varying weather conditions.
- Drones: Covering ground faster than foot patrols, drones can quickly fly over large areas for inspection or to check on alarms. Drones equipped with thermal image cameras help detect hidden intruders even in inclement weather.
- Tamper-proofing: Reinforced brackets, anti-tamper screws and/or unique markings on panels make valuable assets less attractive targets to thieves. Forensic markings make solar panels traceable, GPS tracking devices enable the recovery of stolen materials and unique ID systems can deter black market sales.
- Cybersecurity: As security systems become more connected, protecting digital infrastructure from potential hackers is essential. Stellifii, our cloud-based ecosystem, brings together wireless video connectivity, condition monitoring data, system diagnostics and reporting tools into a single interface that can be remotely accessed at any time.
These security technologies create comprehensive coverage that evolves and improves over time, staying ahead of criminals while ensuring long-term operational continuity.
Improve Your Solar Farm Security With WCCTV Today
Solar farms and development sites face unique security challenges that require specialised solutions. Remote locations, valuable equipment and often limited existing security measures create perfect conditions for thieves, vandals and squatters to target these sites.
That's where WCCTV can help! As the UK's leading supplier of rapidly installed, mobile CCTV systems, we bring over 2 decades of experience in remote monitoring security solutions.
Whether your renewable energy plant is under construction or you already have an established site, our CCTV Cameras are specifically designed for temporary security or targeted surveillance applications.
Ready to protect your investment? Contact our team to discuss your security needs and discover how we can safeguard your solar farm today.
FAQs on Solar Farm Security Improvements
Why do solar farms need security?
Solar farms and development sites require full-spec security systems due to the rising threat of criminal activity, such as theft, vandalism and trespassing. Investing in high-quality, robust security measures ensures your valuable assets (solar panels, copper cables, inverters, etc.) are protected at all times.
What is the best way to improve solar farm security in isolated areas?
The best solar farm security systems in rural locations combine modern technology with human intervention. For instance:
- Temporary CCTV Towers provide near-360° coverage of your entire site.
- Remote monitoring services trigger sirens and notify emergency services when theft incidents occur.
- Regular patrols by on-site personnel help detect and deter suspicious behaviour.
