Pv security alarm

[Solarmark]

We have been asked to provide an alarm for a pv system, as the client is worried about theft of their pv modules. We are already using anti theft roof measures on the the mounting kit. The client has an existing alarm to integrate a pv alarm cct. Anyone any ideas ?

 

[TedM]

Glue (double sided sticky pad) a trembler switch to the back of one of the lowest (most likely to be taken first?) modules. I'm not an alarm specialist but I believe that these come with a standard feature such that cutting the cable connecting this will also set off the alarm.

 

[accordfire]

We have been asked to provide an alarm for a pv system, as the client is worried about theft of their pv modules. We are already using anti theft roof measures on the the mounting kit. The client has an existing alarm to integrate a pv alarm cct. Anyone any ideas ?

Ooh. One presumes that any solution you employ will be exposed to the elements. Most intruder alarm devices are meant for internal use only.

However, you can get infrared beams - effectively a transmitter at one end, a receiver at the other, which you could mount of the roof ends, or gables - so the beam runs directly over the PV modules. Takex are available in various UK suppliers, and the PB20 would do what you want.

It provides a choice of output contact by default, so is suitable for any intruder alarm in the UK today - and needs a 12VDC supply.

 

[alarm man]

are you talking about people climbing on the roof to steal these? you could use vipers but depends how much these units creak during hot and cold spells or use a vib that activates due to sustained attack like the capella ones, i take it these units are accessible from the loft,id use the good old fashioned snapwire,short loops thru the frame of the unit and tied down to the loft beams..simple but effective..

 

[Solarmark]

The modules are going on a bungalow.

 

[SolarCity]

Are anti-theft measures not enough? I would have thought they would be.

I'm just not sure the market for stolen solar panels is there:

They're big, clumsy and specialist equipment. They only have real value for MCS installers - not exactly a huge market and certainly not the thing you can sell in a pub.

That was my reckoning, anyway.

 

[accordfire]

Are anti-theft measures not enough? I would have thought they would be.

I'm just not sure the market for stolen solar panels is there:

They're big, clumsy and specialist equipment. They only have real value for MCS installers - not exactly a huge market and certainly not the thing you can sell in a pub.

That was my reckoning, anyway.

There's been a few reports of attempts and some gone missing round here -

The local intelligence seems to be that householders will get talked into buying them, to get a cheap job overall - as in they'll supply the panels, and get an MCS guy in to do the install.

I was speaking to a Sussex crimint guy the other day about trends - they think solar panels are going to be big business over the next couple of years - and it makes sense too as the cost of electricity and other fuels keep rising.

 

[UNG]

I think I would look to loop a single core cable through a loop like this Computer Locks, Desktop Security Cables, Flat Screen Monitor Security and wire it as a tamper loop on the alarm system you could also loop some wire rope through and secure it inside the roof for extra security