Solar panel theft and how to protect them

By Markus Pam of Pamtronics (Nig) Ltd

All around the world the Renewable Energy Industry especially the Solar energy industry is growing increasingly without even pausing at the sight of the financial crisis. Renewable energy sources are definitely the future energy of the world. In Africa where a very large percentage of the population do not have access to a reliable electricity source; solar energy seems to provide some reliable alternative solution to the energy needs, and as the awareness grows daily, but sadly not everyone is interested in buying the new technology because if theft.

In fact, numbers show that more and more people claim that their solar panels have been stolen especially those installed in remote areas. Governments in most countries in Africa are reluctant in adopting the solar technology because most installations are vandalised by thieves. Components stolen are mostly the solar panels and solar pumps. Although the theft of solar panels is reported all over the world the situation in some African countries is alarming.

As more panels appear on our streets, homes, remote areas and businesses, solar panel theft is projected to be the crime of the future. For someone in the industry who knows how to dismount and install solar panels, stealing $30,000 dollars worth one night and installing them on another job is quick cash.

Without anti-theft devices, the bandits can easily dismount, store, and resell.

Investors are concerned about unprotected installations. The new challenge for dealers and owners is solving the problem with effective security.

The recent influx into the solar industry by quacks who are mostly unqualified persons just crazy to make quick money has escalated the theft of solar products. This scenario is posing a big challenge to the Professional Installers, dealers and investors.

Having been in the solar industry for over 16 years and concern about the security of installations we have developed a number of measures to secure our installations.

Many companies are coming up with various solutions to protect the solar panels and other solar components. Professional installers should seek to know some of these protective devices. The protective devices add to the total cost of the system but it is better to spend a little more and have your investment protected than to lost them to vandals.

Some of the protective measures include the following:

1. Security fasteners
   Provides a solution without the extra cost of materials. Installing locks throughout your solar array in place of standard fasteners creates a difficult barrier for thieves to break into. Security fasteners are also used to secure lottery machines, voting machines and ATM machines.
2. Movement detection lights
   Security lighting system can help make your home or business location significantly safer. Most criminals are attracted to easier targets, such as those areas that have poor lighting, a lack of alarm systems and secure locks. Exterior home lighting in the form of floodlights, security lights and motion sensors, are a great way to protect your installation and ward off prowlers. 
3. Alarms & system monitoring
   A company in Northern California by the name of Grid Lock has developed a PV system security device with a comprehensive list of options that is easy to install and provides a strong deterrent to the theft of solar modules. The product includes an alarm system that can instantly alert the police or monitoring company through the optional telephone dialling system.
4. Welding of bolts and nuts
   Where the support structure is made of steel all fasteners (bolts and nuts) could be carefully welded in a manner as to make it difficult to unscrew any nut thus making it permanent. This is particularly helpful where security fasteners are not available.
   In some cases even borehole well heads and flanges are welded to secure the pump. It is cheaper to break or cut the welded portions when maintenance is to be carried on the pump than loosing the pump to vandals.
5. Portable array
   For small systems the panels could be move out in the morning and taken in at night to avoid being stolen but this is a difficult job as someone most keep watch while the panels work or else they could be stolen even in the day time.
6. Insurance
   In most countries insurance of solar installations is considered too risky but where it exist it might be worth while to insure your installation against burglary and theft.
7. Registration of the solar panel
   Another method of safety is a registration of each solar panel which would be similar to the registration of fire arms. The solar panels would each have a registration number burnt onto a specific point in form of a bar code and this way the police can swiftly find out who the original owner is and if he/she is missing any solar panels.
8. Engraving the name of the owner on the panels
   When the name of the owner is engrave on the panels, it is easy to identify the stolen panels and a NOT FOR SALE inscription could be added to the owners name on the panels. This inscription could be done right from the factory if the panels are ordered for a specific project. (Custom production). We have done this for some clients.

These are not in any way conclusive of all methods of protection but the professional installer is in the best position to decide on the method to be adopted in consultation with the client (owner). Solar systems are expensive an as such their installations should be handled by professionals to ensure cost effective and reliable service except for the small DIY systems.

By Markus Pam
Pamtronics (Nig) Ltd
E: markus@pamtronics.com