EN 
PT_BR 
The heating of the photovoltaic sector in Brazil has brought with it an increase in safety risks of solar panels and equipment. O module theft, vandalism and accidents caused by the presence of unauthorized people or wild animals are some of the main risks.
To mitigate these risks, one of the most effective measures is the installation of enclosures at solar plants. Screens are the type of product most used in these enclosures, as they serve as a physical barrier that prevents the entry of people or animals.
O Solar Channel interviewed Christian Speyer, Marketing Manager at Morlan. The company is a Brazilian company founded in 1954, with headquarters in Orlândia, in the interior of São Paulo. It is one of the main manufacturers of wire mesh and fences in Brazil, operating in the agricultural, civil construction and industrial segments.
The fencing market for photovoltaic panels in Brazil should grow in the coming years, following the increase in renewable energy generation. Check out the full interview below.
Canal Solar: What are the main safety risks of photovoltaic energy panels?
Speyer: The risks are numerous and include everything from the theft of signs and equipment, which has been increasing exponentially with the heating of the photovoltaic sector, to cases of vandalism or even accidents caused by the presence of unauthorized people or wild animals on site.
How can fencing help mitigate these risks?
The screens, which are the type of product most used in these enclosures, serve as a physical barrier that makes it impossible for people or animals to enter, also functioning as a “psychological” barrier, since the simple fact that the area is fenced , it already gives the idea that it is being monitored, which deters theft or vandalism.
What are the types of enclosures most used to protect photovoltaic panels?
The most used product to protect photovoltaic energy generation areas are screens that can be made of wire, or using the technical term: simple torsion, which is the type of screen that we usually see on football courts and fields.
They can also be electro-welded safety screens, which, as the name suggests, are safer screens, as they are welded at each wire intersection point and can only be broken if cut completely. These screens can also be covered with PVC or grating panels. Normally, the installation of screens is accompanied by the installation of concertinas or barbed wires on the fence.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of fencing?
The advantages and disadvantages are quite relative and will vary according to the size of the area to be fenced, the relief, the climate of the region, the movement of people and the presence of wild animals.
For example, in regions with salty air and high traffic of people, it is recommended to use electro-welded screens coated with high-adhesion PVC, because as previously explained, because they are welded, they cannot be opened by breaking just one wire, and therefore Having a high adhesion coating, they resist the action of salt spray without any problems. It is worth mentioning that all types of screens fulfill the basic function of isolating and protecting the area where the plates are installed.
What is the average cost of installing a fence for photovoltaic panels?
The value varies according to the type of fencing chosen, but we can estimate a value from R$ 55.00/m2. Which is ridiculous if we take into account the high value of the equipment that will be surrounded.
What are the prospects for the fencing market for photovoltaic panels in Brazil?
With the increase in the generation of alternative energy, an increase in the demand for materials for this purpose is also expected.
What are the main characteristics of protective screens?
Protective screens are a solution already established in other segments and their main characteristics are ease of installation, resistance to corrosion and effectiveness in isolating areas.
How has the increase in theft of photovoltaic panels impacted the fencing market?
When we talk about fences, we are talking about theft prevention. In this sense, the demand for these products grows in accordance with the need to protect and prevent possible theft.
What measures are being taken to combat the theft of photovoltaic panels?
In addition to fencing, investment has also been made in monitoring systems using cameras and presence sensors, as well as hiring security guards and insurance.
What are the safety risks for people working in fenced photovoltaic installations?
In the case of fence installers, the risks are quite low, as long as appropriate PPE is used and good practices are adopted.
