While it is not extremely common, solar panels can indeed be a target for thieves. This is especially true in more remote or isolated areas where surveillance is minimal and the solar panels can be removed with less risk of being caught.
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 can you protect your solar panels from theft?
Sadly, there are unscrupulous people out there who make a living stealing other people’s property, and solar panels are unfortunately one of those targets.
In this article, I am going to share with you 8 strategies to protect your solar panels as well as the best tools and resources that will allow you to put measures in place to stop your solar panels from being stolen.
Let’s begin with a high-level overview and then dig into each of these in a lot more detail
- Solar Panel Locks
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.
- Alarm Systems
Installing an alarm system that triggers a loud noise if the panels are tampered with can help deter potential thieves. Some systems can also send a notification to your phone or a security company.
- Surveillance Cameras
Cameras can serve as a deterrent and can also provide evidence in case of theft. Consider security cameras that are visible and clearly indicate that your property is monitored.
- Fencing and Lighting
A well-lit area can discourage potential thieves, as can a secure fence around your property.
- Markings and Engravings
Mark your solar panels with your address or another identifiable marking. This can deter thieves and help authorities identify your panels if they are stolen.
- Insurance
Ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers your solar panels in case of theft.
- GPS Tracking
Some solar panel owners choose to install GPS tracking devices on their panels, allowing them to be tracked and located if stolen.
- Professional Installation
Ensure your solar panels are professionally installed. Proper installation can make it more difficult for thieves to remove the panels without causing noticeable damage.
Let’s now dig into each one of these in a bit more detail
Solar Panel Locks:
Solar panel locks are an excellent way to secure your investment in solar energy. These security measures often involve physical barriers that are difficult to remove without specialized tools.
Here are a few examples that I recommend you look at:
- Solar Panel Locks by Bryce Fastener
Bryce Fastener is a company that makes various high-security fasteners, and they offer a line specifically for solar panel security. These are designed to replace the standard fasteners and can only be removed with a specific key.
- PanelClaw
PanelClaw is a company specializing in mounting systems for flat roofs. They offer a system that incorporates security measures into the mounting, making it harder for potential thieves to remove the panels.
- S-5! Security System
S-5! offers a security system for metal roofs. It includes special clamp and bracket components that work with specific tooling to prevent unauthorised removal of panels.
- SolarLocks by Treadlok
This company offers locks designed to prevent solar panels from being slid out of their mounting systems.
- Various Cage and Mesh Systems
Another approach is to encase the solar panels in a secure frame or mesh. These can be custom-made and provide a physical barrier around the panels, making it more difficult for thieves to remove them.
Next, let’s look at solar panel alarm systems…
Solar Panel Alarm Systems
Solar alarm systems are designed to protect your solar panel installation from potential threats, including theft and damage.
They function in a manner similar to conventional alarm systems and consist of sensors, an alarm control panel, the alarm, backup power, and connectivity.
Here are the 5 best alarm systems that can be used for solar panels:
- Photovoltaic Alarm System (PVAS)
This alarm system by Infinite Systems is designed to protect solar panel installations. It monitors each solar panel individually, alerting you if a panel is disconnected or moved.
- GPS Security Tracker by Ravelco
Although it’s primarily marketed as an anti-theft device for cars, the GPS Security Tracker can also be used with solar panels. It sends an alert if movement is detected, and its GPS tracking capability can help in locating stolen panels.
- Sensera SiteWatch-700 Series
The Sensera SiteWatch-700 Series combines a camera with motion detection and alert capabilities. It can send notifications when movement is detected in the panel area, providing both prevention and evidence collection in case of theft.
- Solar Panel Alarm System by Electric Guard Dog
This system creates an electrified fence around your solar panel installation, deterring would-be thieves. It’s combined with an alarm system that will sound if the fence is breached.
- Ajax MotionProtect Outdoor
This outdoor wireless motion detector with an alarm is perfect for securing your solar panels. It has an adjustable detection area and can send an alert to your phone when motion is detected.
Keep in mind that local laws and regulations may limit what kind of security system you can use, so always make sure to check before installation. Combining an alarm system with other forms of security, such as physical locks and video surveillance, can provide even more robust protection for your solar panels.
Let’s now look at what video surveillance options are available to protect your solar panels from being stolen.
Surveillance Cameras To Stop Panel Theft
There are some incredible surveillance products on the market. In my experience, these are the 5 best surveillance camera systems to prevent your solar panels from being stolen:
- Arlo Pro 3
Arlo Pro 3 is a popular choice for outdoor security. It offers high-definition video, color night vision, an integrated spotlight, and a wide viewing angle. It’s also weather-resistant, making it well-suited for monitoring solar panels.
- Ring Spotlight Cam
The Ring Spotlight Cam offers motion-activated alerts, 1080HD video, and two-way talk capabilities. It also has built-in spotlights and a siren, which can be triggered remotely if you notice suspicious activity.
- Google Nest Cam Outdoor
This camera provides continuous recording and can detect people, motion, and sound. It also allows for two-way audio communication and integrates well with other Google Nest products.
- Reolink Argus 2
This wireless camera is solar-powered, which could make it a particularly fitting choice for a solar panel setup. It offers Starlight Night Vision, a wide viewing angle, and motion detection.
- Amcrest 4MP IP Camera
This camera offers high-definition video, night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. It’s designed for outdoor use, so it’s durable and weatherproof.
It is also important to remember to position the cameras in such a way that they cover all the solar panels and are themselves hard to tamper with.
While locks, alarms, and cameras are the 3 best ways to stop your solar panels from being stolen, there are a few methods that can deter theft and one of those is by marking or engraving your solar panels so that they are easily identifiable if they do get stolen…
Markings and Engravings to Discourage Solar Panel Theft
Engraving or marking your solar panels may not stop them from being stolen but they do make stolen panels easier to identify. While the specific method used can vary, here are a few examples of techniques that are often used:
- UV Marking
UV marking involves using a special pen to write on the panels in ink that is only visible under UV light. This type of marking is unobtrusive, as it doesn’t affect the appearance of the panels under normal conditions, but can be revealed when needed for identification purposes.
- Engraving
Engraving involves etching a unique identifier, such as your postcode, into the frame of the solar panel. This is a more permanent option than UV marking, and it cannot be easily removed.
- Microdot Technology
Microdots are tiny discs, about the size of a grain of sand, that can be coated with a unique, identifiable number. These can be applied to your solar panels in a way that would be difficult to remove entirely. If the panels are stolen, the presence of these microdots can be used to identify the rightful owner.
- Barcoding or QR Codes
A unique barcode or QR code can be applied to each panel. If the panel is stolen and then recovered, the barcode or QR code can be scanned to determine its rightful owner.
- DataDotDNA
Similar to Microdot technology, DataDotDNA involves tiny dots containing a unique identification code that can be applied to your panels. The presence of these dots can be used to identify stolen panels.
Another effective way to recover stolen solar panels is to make your panels easy to track.
The Best GPS Tracking Devices To Prevent Solar Panel Theft
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.
Here are the 5 best GPS tracking devices that can be used to help secure solar panels:
- Spytec GL300 GPS Tracker
This is a compact and versatile GPS tracker that provides real-time tracking and can be discreetly attached to your solar panels. It offers geofencing capabilities, allowing you to set up perimeters and receive alerts if your solar panels leave that area.
- Americaloc GL300W
This GPS tracker also offers real-time tracking and geofencing capabilities. It provides longer battery life and allows you to view up to a year of tracking history.
- Tracki 2023 Mini Real-time GPS Tracker
This device is small, lightweight, and can be attached inconspicuously to your solar panels. It provides real-time tracking, allows for geofencing, and comes with a long-lasting battery.
- Linxup LPWAS1
This GPS tracker is a wireless, solar-powered device that could be a fitting choice for a solar panel setup. It offers real-time tracking, geofencing, and comes with weatherproof casing for protection.
- ABLEGRID GT021 Real-Time Magnetic GPS Tracker
This GPS tracker is equipped with a large built-in magnet for easy installation. It offers real-time tracking, geofencing capabilities, and is also dust and waterproof.
It is important to remember that while a GPS tracker can help locate your solar panels in the event of theft, they work best in conjunction with other security measures such as physical locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras.
In closing it’s also important to make sure that you ensure your solar panel installation.
Solat Panel Insurance
While there may not be insurance companies that specialize solely in solar panel theft insurance, many home insurance providers do offer coverage for solar panels, which typically includes protection against theft. Here are a handful of insurance companies that can assist in insuring your solar panels against theft:
- Travelers
Travelers is a well-known insurance provider that offers coverage for solar panel systems. Their policy can include protection against theft, as well as damage from various causes.
- Allianz
Allianz provides comprehensive insurance solutions for renewable energy projects, including solar panel systems. They offer coverage for solar panel theft, along with a wide range of other potential risks.
- Mann Broadbent
This UK-based insurance company offers a specialized policy for renewable energy systems, including solar panels. Coverage includes solat panel theft, vandalism, and accidental damage.
- Chubb
Chubb’s Customarq policy can be tailored to provide coverage for renewable energy systems like solar panels. The coverage can include protection against solar panel theft.
- PowerGuard
PowerGuard specializes in insurance for the renewable energy industry. Their coverage can include theft, and they offer policies tailored to various types of solar panel installations.
The cost of investing in solar panels can be quite high so it is important to protect your investment from theft. If you take these steps you should get many years of usage out of your solar panels.