As utilities, municipalities, businesses and residences turn to alternative forms of energy to meet increased energy consumption and demand, the need to protect these investments grows. Solar arrays located in rural areas face perimeter security challenges that are best met with high-tensile woven wire fence solutions. Agricultural style fences also blend more aesthetically with rural environments compared to chain-link fence.
Bekaert’s exclusion fence designs allow beneficial small animals and pollinators through but deter larger animals like deer and humans. Unlike chain link, which can require poured concrete posts for stability and has a thicker, heavier design, high-tensile wires are lighter and stronger and don’t always require concrete for installation. This flexibility and performance makes high tensile wire products ideal for rural installations. They can be installed quickly and more cost-effectively while providing less shadowing over the solar panels. They are more tamper-resistant to animals and humans.
Download our brochure on high tensile wire for solar arrays
When considering a product choice for solar applications, the fence design is important. The fence design determines the height of your fence and the spacing of your line and stay wires. You want to choose a fence that will have spacing large or small enough to allow certain small animals in, but also deter larger animals and humans.
Spacing also refers to the distance between your posts. High tensile wire requires fewer posts between braces than low carbon chain link. This reduces the overall cost and time needed for the installation, and also the time needed for future maintenance of the fence.
For perimeter protection and security of solar array installations, we recommend a 96 inch fence height. However, some solar farms and array installations have a specification for 75 or 84 inch height. Make sure you comply with local and federal regulations.
Bekaert's recommendation for a 75" height fence is our Solidlock® Pro 12.5 gauge 1775-6, fixed knot fence, again with Bekaert Cattleman® Pro 14 gauge barbed wire on the top and bottom. To further ease installation, our 12.5 gauge 1775-6 products come pre-installed with Gripple Medium Joiners on each line wire. The fence designs for this fence are also shown below.
