Unfortunately, theft of solar panels is rising at an almost identical rate, with Costa Mesa, California-based insurance broker SolarInsure reporting a rise from 50 megawatts in 2002, to about 450 megawatts in 2009.
Solar panel thieves aren’t your ordinary burglars, either. They are well versed in the various panel-mounting systems, carry very project-specific panel removal tools, and use Google and other Internet mapping services to identify large, usually rural, out-of-the-way installations that make ideal targets. They also target homes, where both homeowners work and neighborhood watchdog groups are absent, by driving up in pseudo-company vans and masquerading as repair technicians.
Solar installers, employing the utmost in care and attention, may take up to a half-hour to install a single panel. Solar panel thieves can have it out in under 15 minutes, and – if the panel is damaged in the process – the chances are good that the other five (or ten, or 25) panels will sell on the black market for at least $500 each, so the loss (of a single panel, to thieves) is minimal, in terms of dollars.
In California alone, in 2009, solar panel theft prevention firm Gridlock Solar Security – which has patented a wiring system that detects panel removal – reported on more than $280,000 in solar PV panel losses, many from remote locations like vineyards.
One of them, ZD Wines reported an overall loss, in that year, of 244 panels, each valued at about $1,000. This isn’t even counting the cost of re-installing said panels, once the insurance company settles the loss. Because, of course, the deductible has to be met before insurance dollars can be used.
Solar panel owners can, however, fight back. Older systems can get a security retrofit. Those considering installing solar panels can ask their chosen installer about security measures provided through the company.
The first, and most effective, deterrent is security fasteners, like those used to protect lottery machines, ATMs and voting machines. These systems involve unique screws, bolts and fasteners whose configuration is so much more complicated than a Phillips or hex-head that thieves will be baffled trying to find a screwdriver bit to loosen them.
Of course, solar PV owners will want to install an alarm system, very similar to the one on the house, which alerts occupants if someone is tampering with the panels. Connecting the panels with heavy-duty wire or cable attached to the alarm system is additional insurance. Adding a lock to the wire is a third layer of protection.
Another good, cost-effective deterrent is motion-detector lights, though in fact many solar PV thefts are taking place in broad daylight by thieves decked out as repair technicians. The only deterrent for working couples here would be to enlist the help of a homebound neighbor to act as a spotter, and the incentive – from a monthly bag of groceries to an actual stipend – would more than pay for itself in the cost of an insurance deductible.
Another recommendation, this one from police departments across the nation, is permanently marking the solar panels to allow easy identification. This doesn’t prevent them being stolen, but does help get them back to their owners in a timely fashion if they are recovered.