A driveway security alarm is excellent for alerting a property owner about potential intruders. All driveway alarms are sensor based – motion triggers a signal which sets off an alarm. There are both wired and wireless driveway alarm systems available; solar driveway systems are an economical and ecologically green system. They’re also easy to install, require little maintenance, and economical as you won’t be draining power as with a wired system, or need to replace a battery as with a conventional battery system. Instead, batteries are rechargeable through solar power, and these rechargeable batteries are usually provided with the solar alarm unit.

But just like conventionally battery operated or wired systems, solar drive way alarms use either a passive infrared, metal detection, or rubber air hose device to detect motion and trigger an alarm.

Alarm selection should always calculate the necessary distance required between the sensors and receivers located inside the home; whether you want to detect only vehicles or foot traffic as well should also be considered. Many solar alarms designed for vehicle detection only will use a magnetic system to indicate a passing vehicle.

Note that alarm systems that utilize narrow beams are best at avoiding the detection of small animals to prevent false alarms from a passing stray. These directed beams focus on the size of the potential intruder on your property, signaling you when a person or a vehicle is on site, but not the neighbor’s cat. Narrow beams are available for solar models as well as in conventional systems. Also note that many solar operated systems are available with  twin beams, which makes covering larger property perimeters easier.

Solar alarms, like conventional driveway systems, will send a signal when an intruder is detected. The signal can be silent, warning only the home owner with a bell or chime; or it can be a loud siren or light that will serve to chase away intruders. Additionally, solar systems can be purchased that use a trigger dialer system that will send a pre‑recorded text or voice message to the home owners home, business or cell phone number as an alert.

Solar alarms need to be positioned in full or partial sunlight, and like conventional driveway alarms work best when placed on a sturdy surface above ground. The solar sensor you utilize can be positioned up to a thousand feet from the receiver under most conditions – an excellent distance range. Many systems are easily installed by simply staking them into the ground, and of course solar alarms, like conventional systems, are water proof.

Many solar alarms also have the ability to provide lighting automatically at dusk, a bonus for property owners: lighting and safety in a single package. These types of solar sensors can be easily positioned in such a way to look just like a light, so that potential intruders won’t even know they’re triggering an alarm until it’s too late – for them.

The most important thing to know about solar drive way alarm systems: they work to help protect your home in a simple, cost-effect, and ecologically efficient fashion.