How can you secure a solar farm?

Thieves are targeting the many kilometres of copper cables used in solar farms. To reduce damage, prevention is important. But how can you secure a solar farm?

According to the Insurers' Association, significant damage can already occur when one of the links in the security chain turns out not to be strong enough. It is therefore important to address multiple facets of security integrally.

1. Metal fencing or ditch

In 2020, the first rules for securing a solar farm were established. One of the basic requirements is a solid metal fence at least 1.80 metres high, floating no more than 10 centimetres above the ground. To prevent unwanted access, the fence must have overclimb protection.

Some municipalities find fencing not visually appealing and prefer to choose an alternative that fits better into the landscape. A ditch may then be an alternative, provided it is at least three metres wide and one metre deep. Still, a ditch can pose risks. It can run dry in summer and freeze in winter. It is therefore important to consider which form of enclosure is most suitable for each location.

2. Certified and activated security system

Along with the fencing, a certified and activated security system was mandated in 2020. The word 'activated' is important, as an insurer also had to pay out damages at a solar farm even though the cameras turned out not to be on at all.

At the time, the rules only stated that a camera system had to be present, not that the cameras had to be active. After this incident, the rules have been specified and so the cameras must actually be operational before being disbursed.

The security system usually consists of a combination of cameras and detection technology, such as fencing, ground or laser detection. According to the Insurers' Association, the cameras must be sharp enough to recognise people, even in the dark. The images should be able to be transmitted directly to the police control room via live view. This will allow them to enable rapid intervention.

3. Securing the entire solar farm

The entrance to a solar farm is usually located by a road. This way, the site is easily accessible during construction, maintenance and inspection. But at the back are often meadows and ditches. But this does not stop thieves. Therefore, securing only the visible front is no longer enough. Directives stipulate that the entire site must be protected. So also the blind spots. Securing a solar farm therefore means looking at the overall picture.

4. Detection measures

To detect suspicious activity, a park can use various forms of detection. For example, if someone is sitting on the fence or a cable is cut, a notification is automatically sent.

• Fence detection: sensors that register vibrations or pressure on the fence.
• Ground detection: cables under the ground detect pressure or movement.
• Laser detection: an invisible laser boundary is broken upon penetration.
• Cut detection: detects when cables are cut.

In addition, a VSS (Video Surveillance System) can be used when securing a solar farm. These are intelligent cameras that automatically recognise suspicious situations.

According to the guidelines, unnecessary notifications by e.g. animals, normally expected weather conditions, vegetation, traffic on adjacent railway lines and roads are avoided as much as possible. So this should also be considered when constructing protection.

5. Forwarding to a private emergency call centre

If a system detects suspicious movements or intruders, it should automatically report this to a Private Alarm Centre (PAC) or Video Surveillance Centre (VTC). The monitoring centre then first checks whether it is an actual threat. If it is, a security guard is deployed and, if necessary, the report can be immediately forwarded to the police.

To act quickly and accurately, it is crucial that camera images are of high quality. People must be clearly recognisable in the picture, even in low light or bad weather. Only then can the incident room properly assess what is going on.

After a notification, the premises must be thoroughly checked. A brief glance from a security guard staying on site for just five minutes is no longer enough. In fact, there have been cases where burglars deliberately triggered a false alarm to test how it was responded to. If the response is minimal or takes a long time, criminals know that they can strike later, undisturbed. Good follow-up is therefore essential in solar farm security.

6. Situation-dependent: there should always be room for customisation

One solar farm is not like another. This is why the Insurers' Association's guide also leaves room for situation-dependent solutions for solar farm security. The guidelines can be adapted to the situation in consultation with the insurer. Security companies and software integrators can therefore provide tailor-made solutions to ensure that the farm is really optimally secured.

Secure solar farm and prevent false alarms?

CBNN specialises in solar farm security and delivers high-quality camera solutions combined with a smart AI server. Thanks to our special certification your solar farm meets all the requirements set by insurers today.

Our AI server analyses camera images and recognises the difference between innocent movements and serious threats. So branches that move back and forth due to strong gusts of wind no longer trigger notifications. This results in substantial cost savings and creates more peace of mind in the control room.

Want to know more about solar farm security? Or do you want to meet all insurance requirements right from construction? Feel free to contact us.

Frequently asked questions about solar farm security

Sources: [1] Association of Insurers, 2025