For the modern farmer, electricity has become one of the most significant and quickly rising costs. That’s particularly true of dairy and poultry farms where the continual running of massive chillers forms a key component of their operations. In fact, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, a dairy farm spends upwards of £40 per cow, per year.

Fortunately, farmland frequently provides ideal conditions for generating solar energy, with unused land and roof structures providing the wide-open spaces needed to optimise solar panel layout and maximise energy generation. Solar panels can significantly reduce a farm’s running costs or occasionally even present a new revenue stream through selling excess generated energy back to the grid. It is therefore no surprise that farms adopting solar energy have seen major cost savings and a rapid return on the initial investment into solar panel installation.

Yet the proliferation of solar panels has also led to a corresponding rise in thefts, with organized criminal gangs stripping metals or stealing panels to resell online. As security becomes an increasing priority, how can farmers balance their savings with the need for a robust security system?

Just as one shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket, a comprehensive security strategy requires a multi-layered approach. By combining systems like physical barriers, access control and forensic marking, farmers can effectively maintain protection should one method fail in deterring offenders.

The first step in drawing up a security plan lies in information gathering, due to their remote location, rural locations such as farms are appealing targets for panel thieves due to the lack of foot traffic and neighboring security. By keeping up with law enforcement advisories and local media reports, site operators can gain insight into high-risk times and locations, adjusting their security strategy accordingly.

As a first layer of defense, physical barriers remain a classical yet effective crime deterrent.  The inconvenience of scaling a wall or fence can often be enough to discourage trespassers, with physical barriers also making it difficult to transport panels offsite. Additionally, physical barriers also help obscure vision, thus making it harder to scope out the environment. To facilitate legitimate onsite work, access control systems can be deployed to grant control over entrances and exits, thereby maintaining perimeter security without hindering approved maintenance.

A robust security system also requires the capacity for immediate incident response. Traditionally, security teams have been relied upon to actively monitor the perimeter for breaches, however the cost of hiring personnel and establishing amenities such as shelter and bathrooms can often prove counterproductive to saving costs. It is therefore fortunate that modern surveillance camera systems can be set to notify onsite or on call security teams in the event of a breach. Presenting a more cost-efficient solution not subject to human error or fatigue.

Finally, while protecting a site from intruders is always desirable, criminals frequently cause damage to equipment and property during the criminal attempt. It is therefore critical that all security measures are clearly communicated through prominent signage placed both inside and outside the location. Such signs should be clearly and strategically placed to deter criminals from targeting a specific site in the first place, deeming the risk and effort too great to justify a break-in.

Solar panel installation on UK farms is expected to increase due to the ongoing energy crisis and increased pressure from environmental groups to adopt sustainable energy. As a result, panel theft will most likely continue to be a source of frustration for farmers. Sites must therefore implement a custom security solution tailored to their vulnerabilities. Farmers can protect their assets while also protecting their bottom line by incorporating modern advancements in security technology.

On 28^th February DeterTech and Schroders Greencoat is convening a meeting of police, industry and solar operators, focused on solar crime trends and how to tackle them. Click here to register.