How CSR used Thermal AI technology to stamp out solar farm break-ins
Our client, Bighter Green Engineering (BGE), had been having challenges with repeated break-ins at one of their managed sites in the south-west, causing thousands of pounds of loss and damage, despite the client already having a CCTV system in place, the existing day/night cameras were providing little practical protection.
Intruders had identified a critical weakness, that wasn’t recognised by their previous security provider, meaning intruders were able to reach and disable the cameras before any useful evidence could be captured. As a result, detection of any issues was often too late, and break ins were not stopped in time.
The challenge for Co-op Secure Response was clear, detect intruders early, respond before they reached critical infrastructure, and create a system that was tamper-proof should the unlikely event happen that detection was avoided.
Brighter Green Engineering (BGE) are one of the UK’s largest independent providers of high quality Operations, Maintenance and engineering services to the solar industry.
Learn more about BGE at https://brightergreenengineering.com/
The Solution
Using our expert team with decades of experience in the field, Co-op Secure Response designed and installed a perimeter protection solution capable of providing earlier threat detection and improved resilience against tampering.
Working alongside the BGE team, we deployed a robust all-encompassing security system. Our teams designed the solution around two key principles:
Detect Threats Earlier
Utilising Hikvision thermal-positioning camera system which features advanced AI-powered analytics and long-range detection capabilities.
Unlike conventional CCTV, thermal imaging doesn’t rely on visible light and can detect intruders at significant distances, day or night, as well as through challenging weather conditions.
The thermal camera system provides:
- Up to 350 metres AI-based human detection
- Up to 1,050 metres AI-based vehicle detection
This allows our fully accredited state-of-the-art monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and its team to assess the treat before it becomes a confirmed incident, preparing an appropriate response before its event needed.
Prevent Tampering
Technology alone wasn’t enough. In this case, we introduced a more robust installation infrastructure to reduce opportunities for attack and meet recognised industry standards.
Key measures included:
- 6-metre central mounting infrastructure to maximise coverage and increase protection against interference and featuring a practical tilt-down mast design, enabling maintenance and inspections to be carried out safely and efficiently without specialist access equipment.
- Metal conduit cabling and anti-tamper protection measures.
- Installation completed in accordance with SSAIB standards.
The Results
Since the upgraded system went live in November 2025, the site has:
Zero Successful Break-Ins
By identifying intruders before they approach the perimeter, the new system has effectively removed the previous vulnerability of the site.
The result has been reduced operational disruption for the client and improved protection of critical renewable energy infrastructure.
The Numbers
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Successful break-ins since installation | 0 |
| Human detection capability | 350 m |
| Vehicle detection capability | 1,050 m |
| Installation status | Live since November 2025 |
| Security Enhancement | Thermal AI detection plus anti-tamper infrastructure |
"Co-op Secure Response took the time to understand the weaknesses of the existing system and designed a solution around the specific risks at the site. The combination of thermal detection, monitoring and improved infrastructure has provided a much more robust level of protection for the asset."
“Their team are professional, responsive, and proactive in managing site security. Their tailored approach provides us with peace of mind and exceptional value for money."
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