A scary new trend is popping up involving the theft of solar panels – on residential and commercial properties nationwide. Reports, such as the case in San Jose, CA where a business owner reported theft of its $75,000 solar system, are pouring in daily. It is a problem that needs to be addressed quickly, so as not to discourage the installation of solar power in homes and businesses.

Solar panel thieves aren’t your ordinary burglars; 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.

But there’s some bad news for these thieves…there’s no good way to sell stone solar panels; often those who try, get busted. There most likely will be a market for used solar panels within the next few years as people upgrade or return leased solar systems, but for now, the innovation is too new to warrant resale.

So what can home and business owners do to protect their solar investments? Security cameras are an option, but one that can be easily circumvented. A locking chain or cable system is not a viable option either. Below are some great ways we’ve found to help keep your solar panels where they belong…on the roof…or protect yourself in the event they are stolen.

1. Tell your home insurance company... this is number one! If you tell them you installed solar panels, you’re covered; if you don’t…you’re not. (Often, it won’t even raise your premium.) This solution is simple and relatively painless. Protecting an investment as large as a panel installation couldn’t be any easier if you have home insurance.

2. Solar Panel Security Fasteners come in many shapes and forms and are a great way to make it very difficult for a would-be-thief who comes armed with a tool chest and a ladder. Before, during or after the installation of your solar panels, seek out a Professional Solar Installer that offers high-quality, tamper-proof fasteners. Some models are so advanced that it would take a cutting torch or a grinder to get them off! These parts add little incremental cost to your system and can prevent major headaches down the road.

3. Another recommendation, this one from police departments across the nation, is permanently marking the solar panels to allow for 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. You can also put identification labels on them from your local security company saying that they are protected, whether it’s true or not, for deterrence. It should go without saying, but just in case I’ll mention to make sure you don’t put the sticker on the face of the panel.

4. Another good, cost-effective deterrent is motion-detector lights, though in fact many solar PV thefts are taking place in broad daylight. The only deterrent for working couples 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.

5. Solar Panel Monitoring system. There are systems being developed that are able to monitor the output of the system, and provide system alerts should any part of the system go amiss. These alerts can be passed on to local authorities or your security company, should you invest in a system for your home. Companies such as Grid Lock provide full service solutions to protect your solar system from crafty thieves.