When deciding whether to rent or buy a security system for a solar farm, there are a number of things to consider.This article is designed to give you some useful pointers to help you decide which is best for your solar farm.
Cost
Renting
By opting to rent a system, you avoid the upfront costs as you don’t need to buy equipment outright. You will get a predictable fixed monthly expense that meets your budgetary requirements. You also benefit from no repair or maintenance costs as these are looked after by the supplier.
Buying
Buying a security system involves higher upfront costs. All security systems are bespoke and prices vary, but buying may be more cost-effective over the long term since you won’t have ongoing monthly rental fees.
Ownership and Control:
Renting
Although you won’t actually own the system, it doesn’t mean you lose all say in how the system might be developed. A good supplier will meet with you regularly and review your system to ensure it is still fit for purpose.
In terms of maintenance, a rental contract with GBSG will provide 2 scheduled visits a year to keep the system running at optimum levels.
Buying
Buying a security system means you own the equipment and have full control over its configuration and maintenance.
Customization
Renting
Some rental security systems may offer standard configurations, limiting your ability to tailor the system to your specific needs. GBSG offers a bespoke designed system that is designed specifically to meet your needs.
Buying
Purchased systems can be customized to meet the unique security requirements of your solar farm.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Renting
Rental security system providers often include maintenance and upgrades in the monthly fee, which can be convenient and cost-effective. GBSG offers two scheduled maintenance visits a year, plus repairs are identified and dealt with efficiently, so you don’t have to wait for sign off.
“Some of the O&M Managers we deal with are aware of the need to repair or replace equipment, but are hampered by lengthy expenditure sign off procedures. This leaves the assets at risk since the security system won’t be operating properly and insurance will also be undermined,” Neil Jackson, MD, GBSG
With GBSG you get an experienced helpdesk team who is on hand to deal with any issues and to answer your questions.
Buying
If you buy a security system, you are responsible for maintenance and upgrading components when they come to the end of their useful life or are faulty.
Scalability
Renting
Rental security systems can usually be scaled up or down based on your needs, making them flexible for changing circumstances. We are always looking to review and assess the current systems our clients have installed.
Buying
Of course, if you buy a system, you can also scale it up or down, but the upfront cost can put developers off.
Integration:
Renting
Some rental security systems may have limitations in terms of integrating with other systems or technologies on your solar farm. GBSG works with your systems wherever possible to ensure complete integration.
Buying
Purchased systems can also meet with problems integrating with other farm operations and technologies if they are compliant to all British Standards required for police response.
What happens at the end of the rental period?
This depends on the supplier, but GBSG offers 3 or 5 year rental contracts. At the end of those periods, customers can choose to purchase the system for an additional payment if they wish to make it their own. Alternatively, they can continue to rent at a lower cost and enjoy ongoing comprehensive maintenance and monitoring for up to 8 years.
Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy a security system for your solar farm should be based on your specific circumstances, including your budget, long-term plans, and the level of control and customization you require.
If you are interested in renting a security system for your solar farm contact us.
