Solar farms
Solar farms, are key components of the energy grid, are increasingly targeted by criminal and malicious activities due to their vital role in sustainable power generation. Protecting these sites demands swift detection and response to potential threats, as any breach can lead to energy disruptions and costly damage. OPTEX offers a comprehensive range of advanced security solutions specifically designed to protect solar farms, delivering continuous surveillance and robust defence against unauthorised access and external threats.
Perimeter Protection for Solar Farms
OPTEX offers a wide array of cutting-edge technologies and integrated solutions specifically tailored for perimeter protection, making it a trusted choice for securing high-value assets and critical infrastructure such as solar farms. Whether the requirement is for a single technology or a layered approach combining multiple solutions, OPTEX ensures the highest level of detection accuracy and reliability.
From long-range fibre optic sensors and highly sensitive laser detection systems to intelligent infrared beams and advanced radar technologies, each solution is engineered to perform in the most challenging environmental conditions. These technologies can be seamlessly integrated to create a multi-layered security system that detects, verifies, and responds to potential threats in real time, minimising false alarms while maximising threat detection.
Whether protecting a remote solar installation or a large-scale energy farm, OPTEX solutions are scalable, adaptable, and designed to work harmoniously with existing security infrastructure. This flexibility ensures that every perimeter—regardless of complexity or size—benefits from robust and intelligent protection at the very pinnacle of performance and reliability.
Precision Detection & Zone-Based Monitoring
Fiber Defender® systems offer accurate detection of perimeter breaches, dividing the perimeter into precise zones (as small as 25 metres). This enables fast and targeted response to intrusion attempts, significantly reducing operational risk.
Scalable Long-Range Coverage
Models like the FD7104 can secure up to 40 km of fencing with a single processor, making them perfect for covering the vast perimeters of utility-scale solar farms with minimal infrastructure.
Reliable in Harsh Environments
Immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), lightning, and extreme weather, the passive fibre optic cables ensure 24/7 operation in the most challenging outdoor conditions.
Low False Alarm Rates
Advanced signal processing allows the system to differentiate between genuine threats and environmental noise (e.g., wind or animals), helping to maintain operational focus and reduce response fatigue.
Seamless Integration
Fiber Defender® integrates effortlessly with: CCTV and video analytics Access control systems Alarm and monitoring platforms (including SCADA) Lighting and siren deterrents
Accurate Perimeter Intrusion Detection
EchoPoint™ detects and locates intrusion attempts with pinpoint accuracy along the fence line or buried sensing cable. This rapid and precise detection minimizes potential damage and downtime.
Long-Distance Coverage
The fibre optic sensor cables can protect extensive perimeters—perfect for solar farms that cover vast areas. The system is scalable, allowing security managers to protect multiple kilometres of fencing or buried boundaries with minimal equipment.
Immunity to Environmental Interference
Unlike traditional electronic sensors, EchoPoint™’s fibre optic technology is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), lightning strikes, and extreme weather conditions, ensuring consistent performance in outdoor solar farm environments.
Low False Alarm Rates
Advanced signal processing algorithms differentiate between genuine threats (e.g., fence climbing or cutting) and environmental factors (such as wind or small animals), drastically reducing false alarms and ensuring reliable alerts.
Flexible Installation Options
EchoPoint™ can be deployed as a fence-mounted system, buried sensor, or a combination of both to create a layered, custom perimeter security solution tailored to the unique layout and security needs of each solar farm.
Seamless Integration
EchoPoint™ easily integrates with existing security infrastructure, including: CCTV and video management systems (VMS) Alarm monitoring platforms Access control systems Security automation and SCADA systems
Virtual Wall and Curtain Zones
REDSCAN sensors emit laser beams that form an invisible vertical or horizontal plane. When an object crosses this plane, it immediately triggers an alarm. These virtual zones can act as a second layer of detection along fence lines—without requiring physical infrastructure additions.
Augmenting Fence Line Protection
When used in conjunction with physical fencing and other detection systems (like fibre optic or infrared sensors), REDSCAN enhances situational awareness by identifying climbing or scaling attempts before a breach occurs.
Zone Customisation
Each REDSCAN sensor supports multiple detection zones, allowing users to: Prioritise alarms based on zone location Adjust detection height, width, and sensitivity Cover blind spots or weak points along the perimeter
Reliable in Outdoor Environments
Engineered for outdoor use, REDSCAN models are designed to function in changing weather and lighting conditions, maintaining high accuracy across varied terrains and climates.
Integration Capabilities
REDSCAN integrates seamlessly with: CCTV and video analytics systems PTZ camera presets for live tracking Access control and alarm systems Existing VMS and perimeter management platforms
Early warning approach detection
REDWALL SIP sensors are a powerful intrusion detection solution for solar farms, offering early warning against unauthorised access before intruders reach vital infrastructure such as solar panels, inverters, or substations. With wide-area passive infrared (PIR) coverage of up to 100 meters, these sensors are specifically designed for large-scale outdoor environments and harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, and sunlight. Featuring intelligent dual-zone detection, REDWALL SIPs can distinguish between near and far movement to reduce false alarms and trigger tailored responses like PTZ camera positioning or lighting. Seamless integration with CCTV and Video Management Systems (VMS) allows for real-time visual verification and rapid response, while built-in weather resistance (IP65+) and precision tuning ensure reliability and low maintenance. By minimizing false positives and enhancing situational awareness, REDWALL SIP sensors help solar farm operators significantly reduce operational costs and improve site security across vast perimeters.
Easy and Efficient Deployment
REDWALL SIP sensors are built for quick and effective installation: Area View Finder tool simplifies detector alignment, reducing time on site. Adjustable detection range and masking options allow installers to tailor coverage precisely to the layout of the farm Rugged construction ensures long-term durability in remote and exposed environments .These features make REDWALL SIP a cost-effective option for rapid deployment across new or existing infrastructure.
Seamless CCTV and Alarm Integration
Each REDWALL SIP unit includes multiple alarm outputs, allowing it to: Trigger specific CCTV cameras or camera presets for instant visual verification. Integrate directly with remote monitoring systems, video management software, and intrusion panels Enable event-driven surveillance, reducing the need for continuous video recording and lowering bandwidth/storage demands. This capability ensures efficient, real-time incident response while supporting system scalability.
Privacy-Friendly Perimeter Security
REDWALL SIP helps secure perimeters without compromising the privacy of surrounding areas. As solar farms are often located near residential or rural zones, its non-imaging, PIR-based detection offers an ideal balance of security and discretion ensuring compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR.
Targeted Protection for Critical Infrastructure
Unlike long-range detectors used at the perimeter, the SHIELD and INFINITY Series are engineered for focused protection around key assets. These sensors are ideal for monitoring: Transformers, substations, and inverter banks. Equipment enclosures, storage containers, and restricted areas. Internal zones not covered by larger detection systems. Their discreet, compact design makes them easy to install close to sensitive equipment, ensuring rapid intrusion detection where it matters most.
Built to Withstand Harsh Outdoor Environments
Designed for the unpredictable conditions of outdoor sites, SHIELD and INFINITY sensors are equipped with: Double conductive shielding to minimise false alarms caused by strong sunlight or reflections from solar panels. Temperature compensation technology to maintain stable detection performance in extreme heat or cold. Rugged weather-resistant construction to ensure long-term durability in remote, unstaffed locations. These features make them especially well-suited for solar farms located in isolated or challenging environments.
Smart Detection for Reliable Performance
Both sensor series feature OPTEX’s proven quad-zone logic and smart algorithms that intelligently analyse motion: Reducing false alarms from small animals, blowing debris, or vegetation movement. Distinguishing real threats from environmental noise Delivering high detection accuracy with minimal nuisance triggers—crucial for sites that rely on remote monitoring. This ensures security teams receive only actionable alerts, improving response efficiency and reducing operating costs.
Seamless Integration and Installation Flexibility
SHIELD and INFINITY sensors are highly adaptable and integrate easily with existing systems, including: Alarm panels and video management software Remote monitoring platforms Wireless transmitters for cable-free operation Solar-powered security infrastructure (thanks to low power requirements) Their low-profile, energy-efficient design makes them ideal for off-grid or semi-permanent installations where trenching cables is costly or impractical.
Typical Solar Farm Applications
These detectors are commonly used to secure: Entry gates and access control points Power cabinets, inverter enclosures, and maintenance zones Internal lanes between solar panel arrays Temporary security perimeters during construction or expansion
A Smarter Layer in a Multi-Tiered Security Strategy
Used in conjunction with perimeter technologies like OPTEX REDWALL, REDSCAN, or fibre optic sensors, the SHIELD and INFINITY Series form part of a layered security strategy that ensures no area of a solar farm is left exposed.
