Solar Energy Park Security

Introduction to Solar Energy Park Security

When it comes to renewable energy, solar farms are a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. By using vast expanses of solar panels, we can capture sunlight and convert it into clean energy. Solar energy park security presents some unique challenges for security contractors to overcome.

As solar farms become more prolific, solar energy park security is increasingly important. These sites are tempting targets for thieves for many reasons we will cover in this post.

Managing and securing these facilities pose security challenges for operating companies and security contractors. Combining traditional manned security guarding with advanced surveillance and security technologies is often the ideal solution.

However, given that the entire purpose of converting to green energy production is to reduce the carbon footprint, security contractors guarding these facilities must also adopt strategies that minimise their own carbon footprint; otherwise, what is the point?

Read on to discover:

Why solar farms are a temptation for criminals
Some key crime statistics
Security strategies that work for solar farms
The security threats faced by solar energy operators

What Makes a Solar Plant Vulnerable?

Solar farms, also known as solar parks, are distinguished by several unique features compared to other energy-production facilities.

Their vast scale: Often spread across hundreds of acres with a perimeter that can extend for several kilometres
Relatively low manpower: Once up and running most solar farms require minimal human input to continue to operate and some may even run autonomously. This increases the importance of perimeter security and remote monitoring
Remote locations: The solar industry faces much opposition from people who rightly or wrongly, do not wish to see them close to where they live. Also, finding a site big enough to accommodate them means they are often situated in remote and rural locations.
The availability of valuable materials: These sites often contain large amounts of valuable metals, such as copper in electrical wiring and plumbing and rare earth elements in solar panels. There may also be expensive storage batteries on site These metals, batteries and the panels themselves can be stolen and sold on the black market
Vandalism and disruption: Whether from protestors objecting to the presence of the facility, sabotage by business competitors or simply wanton damage and destruction, solar power plants can easily be disrupted by the activities of vandals. Add to that the cost of repairs and replacements, and expenses can soon mount up.
Adverse weather conditions: Solar farms are typically located in elevated terrain prone to extreme weather. While more of a safety consideration than security, conditions such as high winds and storms with resultant dirt and dust accumulation can impair solar panel efficiency and cause damage that may present a health and safety risk.
Detrimental effect on legitimate businesses: Stolen solar panels or components can be sold illegally, often at a lower price, taking sales away from legitimate businesses.

Security measures at solar sites must constantly evolve to combat these types of risks. A multi-layered approach that is regularly reassessed, updated, and improved can be used for optimal protection.

The Statistics

Rise in Solar-related Crimes: There was a 93% increase in reports of solar-related crimes from 2021 to 2022 in the UK. This increase includes small-scale thefts of solar panels, organised crime gangs stealing panels and valuable metals like copper for resale abroad, and the theft of cabling Source

Valuable Metals: PV magazine also observed that organised gangs can strip more than 30 km of copper during a five-hour nighttime raid and that a single visit from criminals is likely to cost a solar operator upwards of €60,000 (£51,600) when repairs and loss of production are factored in.

Record Copper Prices: At the time of writing (October 2024), the price of copper is approximately $10,265 (£7,916.97) per tonne, according to analysts from Fastmarkets.

These statistics indicate a growing concern for security in the UK’s solar energy sector but are also reflected in figures emerging across Europe in countries like Germany. emphasising that investment in preventative solar farm security can save costs in the long run.

In the UK, security for solar parks has become so problematic that the Police Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime Unit run several ongoing investigations into large-scale theft

Multi-layered security strategies for solar farms

To address these challenges, it has become necessary for solar operators and their security contractors to blend security guarding with innovative surveillance technologies. Network video cameras, thermal imaging, radar sensors, and analytics work in tandem to secure perimeters, reduce false alarms, and facilitate 24/7 monitoring—even in near-total darkness.

Network audio systems enable live or pre-recorded warnings to deter intrusions and communicate safety instructions, enhancing both security and operational efficiency.

So let’s now take an overview of human, technological and physical solar farm security measures that can be deployed.

Security Guarding

Investment in technology is certain to boost solar park security, but in many cases, it does not yet provide a complete substitute for manned guarding. Security guarding introduces flexibility into solar farm security that comes from less reliance on algorithms and the ability to interpret and adjust to various circumstances.

Static Security Guards

A security guard’s presence in a solar park can introduce the human element. Guards can manage entry and exit points, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access the site.

They might also conduct perimeter security checks, patrol the vicinity, and monitor CCTV camera feeds ready to respond to alerts or suspicious activity.

Static security guards can carry out regular inspections to ensure that physical security measures such as fences, barriers, lighting, etc., are in good condition and functioning as they should.

Security Patrols

The site security audit and plan may indicate that permanent static guards are not needed. In that case, trained security personnel can provide regular patrols at vulnerable times, which offers an effective and cost-saving alternative. Regular patrol visits can help deter potential intruders and ensure a rapid response to incidents and security breaches.

Many sites will employ security contractors to undertake regular or ad-hoc security patrols to monitor for security issues and provide a visible deterrent.

Mobile patrols may also respond to alarms or reports of suspicious activity by investigating whether they result from a false alarm and dealing with actual security breaches and incidents,

Physical Security

Fencing: Perimeters can be reinforced with stronger and higher fencing, perhaps incorporating anti-climb features like smaller grade mesh to prevent foot and hand holds, razor wire or electric deterrents.
Vehicle Barriers: Installing concrete bollards or heavy steel barriers can prevent criminals from using vehicles to force entry by breaching the perimeter.
Security lighting: Criminals prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Improved lighting throughout the site deters nighttime criminal activity and improves visibility.

Security Technology

Solar farms covering vast expanses are prime candidates for the introduction of technological security upgrades that make the job of protecting them more automated and efficient.

At the heart of solar farm security management is the need for constant surveillance—not just as an antidote to intrusion, theft and vandalism, but as a tool to enhance efficiency and general health and safety.

It also enables more general real-time monitoring to ensure that the solar power plant operates without disruptions to maximise renewable energy production and that personnel on the site are adhering to health and safety requirements.

Technology can also assist with reducing the carbon footprint of security operations by ensuring that solar farm security can be adequately covered by deploying remote guarding systems.

Remote monitoring:

Security systems can be monitored remotely by professionals who can dispatch help quickly in case of an incident. They can also utilise camera audio to deliver audible warnings to potential intruders in real-time.

CCTV upgrades:

Security cameras are becoming more sophisticated, with features like night vision, thermal imaging, and motion detection with real-time alerts. It is good practice to review existing technology and take advantage of the latest developments.

Automated access control:

Entry points can be equipped with stricter technology-based access control systems, using key cards, security codes, or even biometric identification.

Perimeter intruder detection systems:

In a recent blog post, we covered intruder detection systems, discussing the fact that a secure perimeter is the first and perhaps the most effective line of defence against criminal activity. Network video cameras and audio systems, thermal imaging, radar sensors, self-powered mobile intruder detection systems, and analytics can all work together to monitor and protect a perimeter, making the risk of detection high enough to deter potential security breaches.

Drone Technology:

As technology advances, the capabilities of drones in both surveillance and maintenance roles are expected to expand.

\Security contractors are increasingly using human-controlled drones to conduct aerial security patrols of expansive sites like solar parks. Drones can be equipped with infrared and video capture technology to operate in near darkness as well as supply real-time footage.

Future developments may include autonomous drones powered by artificial intelligence capable of conducting routine patrols and inspections without human intervention. These advancements promise to make drone surveillance an even more integral part of solar farm security.

Use of drones by criminals

It is worth mentioning that drone technology is increasingly being used by criminals to survey potential targets. There are several countermeasures that security contractors are starting to deploy including:

Radar and RF Detectors: These systems detect the presence of drones by identifying radio frequency and radar signals.

Acoustic Sensors: Use sound detection to identify drones by their noise signatures.

RF Jammers: Disrupt the communication between the drone and its operator, often causing the drone to land or return to its origin.

GPS Spoofing: Mislead the drone’s GPS to alter its course or make it return to base.

Physical Capture: Using net guns to capture drones in mid-air that come in range

Cybersecurity:

A recent Statista forecast predicts that the global cost of cybercrime is expected to rise year on year to a record-breaking peak of 5.63 trillion U.S. dollars in 2029. As wind and solar farms become more dependent on computer systems, cybersecurity measures should be strengthened to prevent hacking and operational disruptions. Please read our blog post on the links between physical and cyber security to find out how physical and cyber security are becoming increasingly intertwined.

Collaboration

Energy companies and their security contractors can benefit from a collaborative approach to working with local communities, local authorities and emergency services like the Police

Information sharing: Renewable energy companies working together to share best practices and intelligence on security threats.
Law enforcement cooperation: Building strong relationships with local law enforcement allows for faster and more coordinated responses to criminal activity
Community engagement: When properly engaged, the local community has the potential to increase the level of vigilance and reporting

So what have we learnt?

As we embrace solar energy as a green alternative to fossil fuels, these expansive solar parks have become increasingly tempting to criminals due to the valuable materials on site and the often remote locations
A multi-faceted approach to security that includes security guards, remotely monitored security technology and cyber security is needed to ensure that operators and security contractors can fight back against the rising tide of crime
Just as security companies deploy more advanced technological security measures, criminals are beginning to use similar technology to survey potential targets remotely.
A security contractor with the resources and experience to provide tight solar park security is a good investment when compared with the potentially high costs averaging out at £51,600 when security is breached