Solar farms play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy, but their large-scale footprints and high‑value equipment make them targets for thieves. When criminals strip copper wiring, shoot at panels, or cut their way through fences, the consequences go far beyond property damage. Power generation stalls, repair bills skyrocket, and our country’s critical infrastructure is left vulnerable. Recent incidents show that solar site crime is surging and that traditional security measures aren’t enough.
Evidence of a growing crisis
- Multi‑million‑dollar copper thefts: In Fresno County, California, a report estimated that scrap‑metal scavenging and theft caused at least $3 million in damages to commercial operations. Late that year a 63‑year‑old man was charged with nearly $3 million in theft and damage to solar panels powering the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus. The case shows how a few hundred pounds of copper wire can translate into millions in repairs and lost output.
- Solar panels used as target practice: At a solar farm in Henderson County, Kentucky, an official told the county’s fiscal court that vandals opened fire on the site. Thirty‑two panels were shot multiple times, and the damage was discovered only during a routine inspection, illustrating how remote sites can be attacked undetected.
- Repeated break‑ins and wire theft: In South Carolina’s Darlington County, deputies reported a series of thefts from solar farms over just two months. Investigators said thieves cut through perimeter fences to steal wiring from the rural facilities. The pattern shows that once a site is targeted, criminals often come back.
- Escalating copper theft threatens businesses: With recent copper tariffs, thieves are targeting businesses and infrastructure across the US. With copper prices high and resale markets thriving, solar farms face increasing risk of large‑scale thefts that can leave them offline for months.
These examples demonstrate that theft and vandalism aren’t isolated incidents: they’re part of a growing trend. For solar developers and construction firms, the question isn’t whether a site will be targeted, but when.
A proactive solution: Pro‑Vigil remote video monitoring
Large solar installations present unique security challenges. They can cover hundreds of acres, sit in remote locations, and expand rapidly as new arrays come online. Fortunately, Pro‑Vigil’s remote video monitoring platform is designed to meet these challenges:
- Mobile units with built‑in power and connectivity: Our solar‑powered mobile surveillance units provide their own power and cellular connectivity, so they can be deployed anywhere on a solar site without relying on local infrastructure.
- Thermal cameras and deterrents for dark environments: Remote solar farms are often pitch‑black at night. Pro‑Vigil units can include thermal imaging to detect intruders in low‑light conditions and loudspeakers, sirens and strobe lights to scare off trespassers before they reach your equipment.
- Scalable security as sites grow: Solar projects can start small and quickly expand to hundreds of acres. The beauty of Pro‑Vigil’s mobile units is that you can add additional monitoring units as your site footprint grows, ensuring seamless coverage from construction through operation.
- Real‑time monitoring and rapid response: Trained security agents watch live camera feeds around the clock. When motion is detected, they can deploy deterrents and contact local authorities immediately.
Protect your solar investment today
Solar farms represent a major investment in clean energy. Don’t let opportunistic thieves derail your projects. Pro‑Vigil’s mobile units, thermal cameras, and scalable monitoring can secure every phase of your build, from the first panel to a fully operational array. Contact us today to discuss a customized security plan and keep your solar site producing power, not headlines.
