Fences, surveillance cameras, i.e. classic security technology, are standard when it comes to securing ground-mounted PV systems, construction sites or similar critical infrastructure facilities.
But how secure are such security measures really?
In fact, we experience the same thing time and time again: Thefts happen despite these measures. There are also numerous articles about this in the media (https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/st/Kabeldiebstahl or
https://www.pv-magazine.de/2025/09/24/diebe-klauen-50-kilometer-kabel-aus-solarpark-im-main-tauber-kreis/ ).
Perpetrators come well and professionally prepared, work quickly and are not deterred by visible measures such as cameras.
A real-life case: In a PV park in southern Germany with full camera surveillance, perpetrators gained access at night. They knew the camera positions by previously exploring the paths and conditions outside the fence line, wore masks and gained access in just a few minutes.
The cameras did not recognize anything, as the perpetrators entered at a point where the camera was no longer sufficient. Within 20 minutes, several hundred meters of cable had been stolen. The camera allegedly “saw” everything, but nobody intervened.
This resulted in a 5-figure loss at the affected solar park.
The error in thinking: VISIBLE TECHNOLOGY ALONE DOES NOT PROTECT