Will solar panels be stolen

Can solar panels be stolen?

The likelihood of theft also tends to increase as the value and popularity of solar panels grow, with thieves looking to sell stolen solar panels on the secondary market. Additionally, construction sites where solar panels have not yet been fully installed and secured can be particularly vulnerable to theft. That then begs the question…

How do I recover stolen solar panels?

Another effective way to recover stolen solar panels is to make your panels easy to track. GPS tracking devices are used in many industries to prevent theft, most notably in motor vehicles. GPS tracking technology is extremely accurate and has been found to be an extremely effective way to recover stolen solar panels.

Is solar theft a problem in the UK?

Rural theft has long been an issue in the UK. It is a sinister practice, with repercussions that are as much emotional, as they are commercial. After all, for a small farm, solar panels are a huge investment. Not only that, but if solar theft is not brought under control, it will delay the country from reaching its net zero goals.

Are solar panels causing a rise in solar crime?

A rise in solar crime means eco-conscious homeowners and farmers who have diversified into renewables should check their security and insurance. The warning comes after police figures revealed a 48 per cent rise in solar panel and cabling theft from 2021 to 2022.¹

How to protect solar panels from theft?

You can use mechanical locks on the mounting equipment to prevent the panels from being easily removed. The locks should be custom-designed for solar panel installation and tamper-resistant. Installing an alarm system that triggers a loud noise if the panels are tampered with can help deter potential thieves.

How much does a solar theft cost?

Strecke says European solar thefts typically cause €60,000 ($63,900) of damage, when repairs and loss of business are factored in. “Solar crime is on the increase,” says Rachael Oakley, director of crime intelligence at Telford-based DeterTech, formally known as SmartWater Group thanks to its product-marking technology.