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Managing Solar Security: Prioritizing Safety and Protection

By Karim El Alami
| March 14, 2024

Solar security is a critical industry concern. Ensuring the well-being of those involved in the hands-on aspects of solar projects is the number 1 concern, however, attention must also be given to broader security aspects, such as equipment safety and cybersecurity.

In this context, the role of Energy Management System (EMS) solutions becomes pivotal in addressing and mitigating these multifaceted security challenges.

Enhance operational safety

An EMS serves as a comprehensive monitoring tool, providing real-time oversight of all assets within a solar infrastructure. This vigilant guardian is capable of swiftly detecting anomalies or potential risks.

This capability becomes particularly vital when dealing, for example, with BESS, which can pose fire risks. In the event of a fire, an EMS can track and trace the root cause, providing invaluable insights for investigations and preventive measures.

Moreover, the system can initiate fail-safe modes, isolating non-functioning assets to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment.

By addressing these specific concerns associated with BESS, EMS solutions contribute significantly to mitigating the complex security challenges within solar installations. This proactive approach enhances safety protocols and fosters a resilient and secure environment for solar energy operations.

Learn more about our solar + storage integration solutions, which streamline the integration of solar and energy storage systems while prioritizing safety and security in solar installations.

Now that we’ve examined how EMS enhances operational safety, let’s take a look at its role in mitigating cybersecurity threats.

Mitigate cybersecurity threats

As the solar industry embraces digitalization, the threat of cybersecurity breaches looms large.Energy Management Systems can act as the first line of defense against cyber threats by incorporating robust security measures. This includes the installation of firewalls and the implementation of a secure data architecture.By fortifying the digital infrastructure of solar installations, an EMS not only safeguards sensitive information but also protects solar assets from potential cyberattacks, ensuring uninterrupted operations.Transitioning from EMS proactive approach to cybersecurity, let’s now delve into the importance of considering safety throughout the lifespan of solar installations.

Ensure long-term safety

To ensure plants long-term safety, the challenge lies in shifting the perceptions. Security is often viewed as a one-time investment. In reality, security measures, especially those facilitated by EMS solutions, should be considered an ongoing service throughout the 25-year lifespan of solar installations.Emphasizing the importance of allocating resources to Operational Expenditures (OPEX) for continuous security measures is crucial. By adopting a holistic and long-term approach to security, the solar industry can not only protect its investments but also contribute to sustainable growth and resilience within the renewable energy sector.

Security can take several forms whether it is people safety, cybersecurity considerations, operations protection and more. By leveraging Energy Management Systems, stakeholders can ensure the longevity and resilience of solar installations. If you’d like to learn more about securing your solar site, contact us.

Taking care of your solar installation could be our next challenge

Author: Karim El Alami

Managing director at Elum Energy

Karim El Alami is Managing Director of Elum Energy, an energy automation company providing turnkey power plant controllers and microgrid controllers for solar plants coupled energy storage systems and thermal generation in more than 60 countries so far. Karim graduated from Ecole Polytechnique in France and UC Berkeley in California.