Problems with thefts of modules [RE-wrenches]

[Steve Willey, Backwoods Solar]

In remote locations the alarm bells may not be sufficient. We have found
that some car alarm systems offer a digital radio signal that activates a
pager up to a mile away.  These are usually on the old CB frequencies, but
can be made to go a mile or more with a fill 108 inch whip antenna.  A
cooperative neighbor within that range with the pager receiver of the alarm
will provide a lot better response. The pager must be rigged to a larger
battery or power supply, and when possible an external antenna might be
added to increase its range, even a wire wrapped around it a few times and
out to a tree will help the range.

Radio shack no longer has an alarm with pager to announce activation, but I
have a source of them on file somewhere if someone needs a lead, request it
at Steve at backwoodssolar.com.

Steve Willey   www.backwoodssolar.com
Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
A catalog business on a mountain
2 miles from utility lines,
powered entirely by our catalog products.
IF UTILITY POWER IS 1/2 MILE OR MORE FROM YOUR SITE,
get our free 160 page solar-electric Planning Guide/Catalog.
(Your postal address required - Our list is never given or sold).
Phone(208)263-4290  Fax (208) 265-4788  in Idaho, USA


----- Original Message -----
From: Kurt Nelson, SunWise <sunwise at win.bright.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2000 9:36 PM
Subject: Re: Problems with thefts of modules [RE-wrenches]


> 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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 michael.welch at homepower.com

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