Problems with thefts of modules [RE-wrenches]

[Kurt Nelson, SunWise]

Soluciones Energéticas wrote:
> 
>> I was thinking about rigging a 12volt automobile alarm at the base of the mount for the modules, so that it would sound an alarm if it was lifted. But, if the wires for the alarm are cut (when the wires from the modules are cut to steal the modules), the alarm wouldn't work.

Hey Ned, Kurt Nelson responding here,

I've done some security/alarm wiring and could offer some suggestions. 
First, record all serial numbers of the PV panels and related equipment
(Inverter serial # as well) and offer this info to your clients, they
won't do it on their own.  This will be helpful if there should ever be
a loss and is generally good info to have regardless.  

So that said, there are bunches of good alarm systems out there.  Radio
Shack has a decent two zone "system" for just better than a hundred
bucks.  It really is a single zone panel, what they are calling a second
zone is really delayed entry/exit zone.  Essentially what these systems
are monitoring is a closed loop of wire running around to each
window/door (PV panel) and switched devices (smoke detector or sensor)
that are "normally closed".  When there is a "break" in the loop, an
alarm is actuated.  This could be simply a local alarm (horn, scare
people away), or can activate a phone dialer that will dial one or
multiple numbers to give/leave an alarm message (about a hundred
bucks).  The "closed-loop" alarm circuit protects against a would-be
theif that may simply cut an alarm wire.  Cutting a wire in such a
system results in either an alarm (if system is activated), or the
inability of the security system to be "armed" (cause da wire is cut). 
In any such system you can include a "tamper switch" inside a J-Box on a
couple of (accessible) panels, or do a non-current carrying "conductor"
in the wiring that will alarm if continueity is ever lost (somebody is
stealing the PV's and they are cutting wires).  You can make it look to
be something like a ground wire if you feel your thiefs are real smart.  
A general home secutity system may be a good addition to the system and
can monitor other things like smoke detectors, high and low temp
detectors (freeze), power loss (in grid-ties), as well as security
points.  

Even in remote systems, I install a very loud alarm bell, as thieves
will usually leave if an alarm is ringing in their ears, even if there
is no one around to respond.  Care should be taken to see that an alarm
contition will not exhaust the battery.  So if the first wire any
would-be thief cuts sounds an alarm???  Actually, the first wire they
often cut is the phone line and I have done a number of systems that
include a (sorta) phone line monitoring circuit.  The phone cable comes
in at an obvious location and I change that, then use the original phone
box to be part of the alarm circuit.  If anyone ever cuts the "fake"
phone line, not only did they not cut the right one, they also brought
in the alarm and the real phone line is still available to dial out. 
I'd add that even if the home has no phone system, the fake phone box is
still a good "loop of that wire" to include.  The alarm comes in (sounds
horn/bell) BEFORE they are inside the home or loading up the PV's.

Kurt Nelson

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