Tips for Preventing Solar Panel Theft

So... how can you take the right precautions to decrease the chances of your solar panels being stolen?? It takes time for a system to be installed, but it can be rather simple and quick to take apart. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from losing the investment you made in solar.  

1. This first tip is extremely important. As soon as possible, add your solar system to your home insurance policy. If a theft were to ever occur, make sure your home insurance will cover the loss of your solar investment. 

2. Have a surveillance company install a wiring system that sets off an alarm if the panels are removed. Also, installing motion detecting lights can be extremely deterring to thieves as well.  

3. Use a heavy gauge wire to physically connect your panels together. Even better, secure them with pad-locks as well. If all of the panels are connected together, thieves will see that it is going to take them a lot of extra work to take them apart, which may inspire them to go elsewhere.  

4. There is also a hex bolt on the market that requires a special key to remove the hardware. Regular wrenches are screwdrivers do not work on these locking hex-bolts. This may be a bit of an extra expense initially, but it does not compare to the cost of having to replace your entire system if it gets stolen.  

5. If your solar panels are mounted on the ground, install a fence around the system. Likewise, if your solar panels are mounted on your roof, do not leave any ladders or similar items around your house that make it easier for thieves to gain access to your roof.  

6. As much as you want to brag about the new purchase of your solar system, this may attract unwanted attention and entice thieves to target you. It definitely doesn't hurt to engrave your name onto the panel frames and also keep the serial numbers of your panels in a safe place. 

It is unfortunate that we must think about these things in the world we live in today, but it is better to be safe that sorry when it comes to such a large investment. We hope these tips inspire you to take some of the measures to protect yourselves from losing your investment!  Contact us with any questions you might have about your solar pumping system! We are here to help!