Are solar panels stolen?

Several instances of solar panel theft have been reported, including an incident at Gateshead International stadium as well as a larger incident in 2021 in which 221 solar panels were stolen from a solar farm. Solar panel theft is the primary issue, although some landowners report that it isn’t just the panels themselves that are stolen.

How much property was stolen from UK solar sites last year?

Speakers at the event, held in Telford, in the west of England, appealed for solar site owners to report all incidents of criminal damage, no matter how small. Taylor said GBP 574,300 ($691,500) worth of property was reported stolen from UK solar sites last year, but noted that the real figure is likely higher.

Did UK police find solar panels stolen from Worcestershire site?

Photo: DeterTech From pv magazine Gloval 04/23 When the UK police visited an address in Staffordshire they suspected of harboring solar panels stolen from a Worcestershire site in 2019, they not only recovered 13 modules but also found paperwork indicating planned shipments to Madrid for resale.

What should I do if my solar panels are stolen?

Ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers your solar panels in case of theft. Some solar panel owners choose to install GPS tracking devices on their panels, allowing them to be tracked and located if stolen. Ensure your solar panels are professionally installed.

Are solar panels a target for thieves?

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.

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