Energy Matters Forums

[Gordon-Loomberah]

I suspect professional thieves are likely to have Torx and similar bolts covered in their standard kit. High voltage electrified razor wire might be more of a challenge though

[Smurf1976]

At work we have a number of remote sites with stand alone solar. Panel thefts are typically somewhat amateurish, although we've had a couple of fairly organised ones recently.

One cut down, in the same manner as you would fell a tree, the entire pole that the panel was mounted on using (we assume) a large grinder or more likely a petrol driven cut-off saw.

Another one more recently seems to have taken everything apart neatly, and simply cut the cables (also neatly). You'd never know there was a panel there just by looking at it.

[gyro]

The latter sounds much like what happened at my mates place. His insurance replaced the panels and inverter as well as 50% towards security system which I helped him install. Still there are those out there trying to make a quick quid. Recently I saw advertised used solar system on eBay I enquired (at eBay) if they were stolen subsequently the police made an arrest and panels are being returned to original owner. This one didn't get away so if you see suspicious solar set for sale it does not hurt to enquire.