Recommended security measures include fencing, security fasteners, alarms and system monitoring tools, movement detection lights and even on-site security guards.
- Use ‘tighten-and-snap off’ anti-theft screws to fasten panels
- SolarInsure recommends using security lighting in the form of floodlights linked to motion sensors.
- Build a reinforced concrete wall around the panel mountings, so preventing access to the supporting structure and its bolts.
- Mount panels on high poles wherever possible.
- Connecting wires to each panel in an array to form simple electrical loops is one solution used in both remote and urban installations. In case of a robbery, when the cables are cut, the current in the loops drops to zero enabling an alarm or trigger a message via a mobile transmitter.
- GridLock Solar Security has developed its own solar-specific packaged solution.
- Cameras, video and additional lighting, via a backup battery to ensure that the system will operate even if grid power is absent.
- A chip embedded in the panel communicates wirelessly with a central monitoring unit. California-based Tigo Energy has built security functions into its solar system management software that can send alerts to solar system owners when a panel is disconnected.
- Deploy an infra-red security barrier around the installation. This again can trigger alarms, lights or a mobile transmitter - and has the advantage of tripping before the thieves start to dismantle the modules.
