DIY systems constituted 50% of all security system sales in past year, report says

ADDISON, Texas—New Parks Associates consumer research announced recently at ISC West reveals that 50 percent of all security system sales in the past year were DIY solutions.

The firm’s Residential Security Tracker notes that systems with professional installation continue to hold about 50 percent of the marketplace, but if consumer intentions hold, DIY systems will soon constitute the majority of the market. The firm’s 4Q 2021 update assesses the residential security market, including new trends and the impact of new, advanced, and DIY security solutions to expand the market.

“DIY providers offer multiple smart home devices to accompany their systems, including cameras, smart thermostats, and smart lighting options," said Jennifer Kent, Vice President, Research, Parks Associates. “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.”

Both DIY and professional install providers are driving product expansion and innovation through the need to differentiate to maintain strong market positions. Cameras and video doorbells are the top two devices security system owners report adding to their systems, followed by smart door locks and additional motion sensors.

For all U.S. households, video doorbells are the top smart home device—15 percent of US internet households owned a smart doorbell as of Q4 2021, up from 10 percent in 2019.

The Residential Security Tracker also finds energy is a key adjacency in the security market. Many security companies have partnered with companies offering energy generation, storage, or management capabilities, or they have launched their own initiatives. ADT recently completed the acquisition process of Sunpro Solar and announced the launch of ADT Solar, while Brinks Home has partnered with Sunnova to enable dealers to offer customers Sunnova’s portfolio of solar, battery, and energy services.

Eight percent of U.S. internet households report owning power-generating solar panels (solar PV), double the rate five years ago. Security system owning households strongly over-index on solar ownership, with 17 percent of all security system owning households reporting that they also own solar PV panels. 

“Expect security providers, with new energy capabilities in their portfolios, to expand their sales targets to MDUs and commercial entities that are interested in adding energy management and savings, including builders, property managers, and small businesses,” Kent said.

Parks Associates’ complimentary whitepapers feature the firm’s latest data and insights on trending topics in the residential security market:

• Value Beyond Home Security: Expanding Product Ecosystems, developed in cooperation with Alarm.com, addresses the expansion of professional services beyond home security. 
• Home Security: Choice is the Ultimate Value Proposition, developed with XFINITY HOME, explores the market trends specific to the role of the broadband service provider in providing installation and services for home automation and residential security.

To request specific research data, please contact Rosey Sera at rosey@parksassociates.com, 972-996-0233.