Solar PV security

[mikepepler]

Any thoughts on the best way to secure PV panels against theft? We've got ours on the roof now (7 x 40W in a horizontal row), facing onto a fairly busy road near the centre of Rye, but they're low down on a dormer roof - it wasn't practical to put them anywhere else.

Now I'm hoping that because it is quite a busy road and the PV is in good view that theft is less likely, but I still wonder if I should add some extra security... My ideas so far are:

- use security bolts that need a special allen key. But can't a theif just go and buy the set of keys?

- thread a 4 or 5mm steel cable through some holes on the panel frames and lock it to something. But some small bolt cutters would deal with that...

- Fill the allen key bolt heads with glue. This could still be got around, but would slow the process down.

Any thoughts on the above, or other ideas?

[RenewableCandy]

They'd only be able to nick solar PVs at night-time, so for starters how about simply putting a motion-detector light up there?

[stumuzz]

Have you considered Landy ignition security bolts?

These fit from underneath into a recess and are tricky to get at. When fitted they tighten until the hex head breaks off making them tamperproof.

They could be got at with a grinder, but would be a major faff.

[Mean Mr Mustard]

You could surround the PV installation with an electric fence with sufficient voltage to instantly kill any or several thieves, but that would impinge on the EROEI, alas.

So maybe a claymore or two, and suitable warning sign, fully compliant with your local council's health and safety requirements?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M18_Claymo ... onnel_mine

(Shockwave directed outwards, so as not to damage the delicate PV installation, of course)

[RenewableCandy]

I did think of a Mercury tilt device, but that might be a little OTT...

[Kentucky Fried Panda]

Razor wire and big dogs.

[clv101]

When fitted they tighten until the hex head breaks off making them tamperproof.

This is what we used in Africa. The panels are bolted into metal frames with these bolts, the frames are set into concrete. Never had a panel stolen but is one does break you just leave it in place and wire in a spare into a gap you left.

[mikepepler]

Is this the kind of thing you mean:
http://www.insight-security.com/ssf-shearnuts.htm
http://www.securityfasteners.net/Securi ... Bolts.html

The fastenings I'd be using them with are here (click "detail view" to see a close-up):
- end clamps
- mid clamps

The mid clamp bolts are recessed, the end clamp bolts are not.

If I screw them down with these shear bolts, what would be required to get them off if I had to? Could you use an electric drill to drill the bolt out? I realise this would also wreck the fixing, which is aluminium, but it'd only cost about £40 to buy another set of fixings for all 7 panels if it came to it.

[stumuzz]

If I screw them down with these shear bolts, what would be required to get them off if I had to? Could you use an electric drill to drill the bolt out

They are the ones.

Yes, you could drill them out, or drill a small hole in the head and insert a bolt remover. I managed to get a tiny dremmel and grind a line onto the bolt head which effectively made it into a screw.

[adam2]

They'd only be able to nick solar PVs at night-time, so for starters how about simply putting a motion-detector light up there?

I would not count on that. A single PV module produces a non dangerous voltage, as do a number in parallel.
Dangerous voltages are only produced when a number of modules are series connected. There are various ways in which the thief could protect themselves against a dangerous shock.

In risky situations I would favour the use of security bolts or screws that once fastened can not be readily undone.
An alarm is worth considering also, a simple design consists of long loop of wire passed through or around the modules in such a way that they cant be readily removed without cutting or breaking this wire. A small current is passed through this wire at all times, and any interuption sounds a bell, or perhaps triggers security lights.

In extreme cases consider barbed wire that is not only a physical deterent but can be monitored against cutting by a system as described above.

In case of total lawlesness, consider energising the barbed wire at a fatal voltage, dont even consider this whilst times are normal, it is very illegal.

Ideally PV modules should be out of sight and out of easy reach, but this is not allways feasible.

[MrG]

They'd only be able to nick solar PVs at night-time, so for starters how about simply putting a motion-detector light up there?

I would not count on that. A single PV module produces a non dangerous voltage, as do a number in parallel.
Dangerous voltages are only produced when a number of modules are series connected. There are various ways in which the thief could protect themselves against a dangerous shock.

I don't think that's what she means Adam.. I think she means because they are by a main road and they would blatantly be seen.

Of course they could always wear invisibility jackets (high viz)

Or maybe you did mean risk of electrocution..

[biffvernon]

We have our house insured with http://www.naturesave.co.uk/ who make a point of including cover for solar panels in their policies. (They were also cheaper than our previous insurer.)

When their person phoned and asked my wife "Do you have any energy saving devices?" She replied, "Yes, my husband".

[kenneal - lagger]

When their person phoned and asked my wife "Do you have any energy saving devices?" She replied, "Yes, my husband".

I think I'll use that one. My wife won't like it though. She thinks I have too many excuses for not going things already.