Solar Farm Fencing

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Selecting the Ideal Fencing System for Solar Farm Developments

Solar farm theft is an increasing concern in the UK, with incidents nearly doubling in recent years, particularly in the south of England.

Organised crime groups target these sites, stealing large quantities of materials like cables and solar panels, causing significant financial losses. Solar farms under construction are especially vulnerable, and repeat victimisation is common, further driving up costs through downtime, repairs, and higher insurance premiums. Effective security measures are crucial to protect these valuable assets from further attacks.

Key Considerations for Solar Farm Perimeter Fencing

• Effective Perimeter Demarcation: Ensure the fencing clearly defines the boundaries of the solar farm.
• Security Solutions: If security is a priority, the fence should offer robust protection against unauthorised access.
• Adaptability to Terrain: The system must be suitable for installation on uneven or sloped ground and withstand high winds and harsh weather.
• Environmental Integration: The fencing should blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings to minimise visual impact.
• Wildlife-Friendly Design: Choose a system that deters larger animals while allowing smaller creatures and insects to pass through.
• Durability and Maintenance: The fence should last the entire lifespan of the solar farm, be easy to repair if needed, and have low ongoing maintenance costs.
• Compliance with British Standards: Ensure the fencing meets all relevant British Standards and accreditations.
• Secure Access Points: Access points should complement the fence system and maintain overall site security.
• Scalability: The system should be easily expandable to accommodate any future growth of the solar farm.
• Cost: Consider the initial investment relative to the security level provided, along with the long-term maintenance expenses.

Guidelines For Selecting Solar Farm Fencing

To reduce the visual impact of solar panel fencing, it is important to minimise the height of security fences and incorporate natural features like hedges for screening. Security lighting should be limited, using PIR technology to reduce light pollution and its effects on biodiversity. Large mammals such as badgers and foxes should still have access, with buffer strips of at least 4-5m between fencing and hedges. Additionally, all security and lighting installations should be detailed in planning applications for proper assessment, and pole-mounted CCTV should be carefully placed to avoid disrupting the landscape.

Additionally, Police guidance recommends a risk assessment should be conducted for solar farms in isolated locations, ensuring that any perimeter fencing used is a proven security fence that meets UK Government standards and security rating requirements. The site should have minimal vehicular access points, ideally just one, and boundary protection should be set at an appropriate distance from the panels to prevent vehicles from parking against the fence.