The firm’s “Residential Security Tracker” suggests that DIY systems are poised to move ahead of professionally installed systems, with which it now is even.
The market is expanding as both professional installers and DIY providers are innovating and enlarging their offerings in order to maintain market positions. The top three items that security system owners are adding are, in order, cameras, video doorbells, and smart door locks. They also are installing additional motion sensors, the report says.
Video doorbells are the top smart home device among all U.S. households, with 15% penetration as of the fourth quarter of 2021. That’s up from 10% in 2019.
The energy industry is “a key adjacency” to the security market, according to the report. Companies offering energy generation, storage, and management capabilities have partnered with security companies or launched initiatives.
Two examples: ADT has acquired Sunpro Solar and announced the launch of ADT Solar. And Brinks Home has partnered with Sunnova to enable dealers to offer customers Sunnova’s solar, battery, and energy services products.
Finally, 8% of US Internet households own solar panels, double the rate of five years ago. Seventeen percent of households with security systems also have solar panels.
“DIY providers offer multiple smart home devices to accompany their systems, including cameras, smart thermostats, and smart lighting options,” Jennifer Kent, the Vice President of Research for Parks Associates, said in a press release. “Device manufacturers can also add a monitoring line to any product with occupancy sensing, connectivity, and a control platform, so competition within the DIY space, as well as between DIY and professional offerings, will intensify in 2022.”
Kent added that security providers with new energy capabilities will expand their targets to multiple dwelling units and commercial entities and will market to builders, property managers, and small businesses.