Enviromena Deploys 370 IP Devices Across Five Solar Farms While Saving £300,000

3-minute read time

Summary 

• Enviromena needed to secure five remote solar farms with IP devices, but traditional network limitations required extensive cabling, numerous field cabinets, and costly switching infrastructure, creating high costs and significant deployment challenges. 

• Safeguard Systems used the NVT Phybridge FLEX Family of Power over Ethernet innovations to enable reliable long-reach connectivity for approximately 370 IP devices, simplifying network design across all five sites. 

• NVT Phybridge network innovations reduced network readiness costs by approximately £300,000, accelerated deployment by 5–6 weeks, and established a scalable, standardized network strategy across all locations. 

• By simplifying network design and accelerating the deployment, Enviromena significantly reduced its total carbon emissions, supporting its mission to enable a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. 

Problem 

Enviromena needed to deploy IP cameras and speakers throughout five separate solar farms to protect critical assets and ensure safe, reliable operations. Supporting modern IP devices across multiple large-scale solar farms created major infrastructure challenges. Traditional network design would have required extensive trenching, numerous field cabinets, additional switching equipment, and significant labor to connect devices across wide perimeters. Enviromena needed a robust, scalable network solution capable of supporting IP devices over vast distances without extensive and costly network requirements. 

Solution 

To overcome these challenges, Safeguard Systems recommended the NVT Phybridge FLEX Family of long-reach Power over Ethernet innovations to simplify and optimize network design across Enviromena’s solar farm portfolio. Safeguard Systems deployed the NVT Phybridge FLEX8 switch and FLEX extender solutions to support approximately 370 IP endpoints across five solar farms. The endpoints consisted of a mix of cameras and speakers distributed across the perimeters. 

Using Modern LAN design principles, Safeguard Systems designed a more efficient network architecture that dramatically reduced the amount of hardware required in the field. The NVT Phybridge network innovations extended PoE connectivity far beyond traditional switch limitations, enabling long-distance device connectivity without excessive intermediate switches or cabinets. Safeguard Systems created a simplified, standardized architecture that reduced installation and network complexity, improved resilience, and established a repeatable blueprint for all Enviromena locations. 

Steve Blackwell from Safeguard Systems commented, “We selected the NVT Phybridge FLEX solution because it allowed us to simplify the CCTV infrastructure across a portfolio of new-build solar farms for Enviromena. On projects of this scale, the alternative would often involve expensive mains cabling, individual pole-mounted cabinets, local power supplies, and fiber rings around the site perimeters.
The FLEX innovations allowed us to avoid much of that infrastructure by extending Ethernet and PoE over long distances from centralized field locations. This delivered a more efficient, cost-effective, and repeatable design while reducing installation complexity and potential failure points. For Safeguard Systems, it was a robust and practical solution that suited the demands of large-scale solar farm environments.” 

Results 

The deployment delivered substantial financial, operational, and strategic value for Enviromena. By leveraging NVT Phybridge network innovations, Enviromena reduced network readiness costs by approximately £300,000. These savings were driven by a significant reduction in the number of required cabinets, switches, power sources, and associated labor across all five solar farms. 

The simplified architecture also shortened deployment timelines by 5–6 weeks, a critical advantage given severe weather delays and demanding project schedules. Faster deployment enabled Enviromena to accelerate security readiness while maintaining momentum across multiple renewable energy projects. 

Beyond cost and time savings, the repeatable, predictable, and scalable network strategy improved long-term operational efficiency. Fewer active network components in the field reduced maintenance requirements, simplified troubleshooting, and improved overall system reliability across all sites. The success of these deployments positioned NVT Phybridge as the preferred network vendor for future Enviromena projects, including additional solar and energy storage initiatives. 

About Safeguard Systems 

Safeguard Systems designs and installs advanced CCTV, access control, intruder alarm, and network infrastructure solutions for demanding commercial and industrial environments. As solar site security specialists, their engineers have designed and installed security systems across more than 200 solar sites throughout the UK. From renewable energy site security to large-scale perimeter protection, Safeguard Systems helps businesses deploy reliable, scalable security systems that safeguard assets, reduce operational risk, and simplify deployment. 

Their SSAIB-accredited engineers take a consultative approach, understanding your site, your risks, and your compliance requirements before recommending a solution. Whether you’re securing a solar farm, an industrial facility, or a critical infrastructure site, Safeguard Systems is the trusted commercial security installer for complex, high-stakes projects. 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network innovations that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach switches and extender solutions helps organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, disruption, or security concerns.