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Solar panel security - anti-theft devices

Solar panels are valuable and unfortunately the more unscrupulous in our society are realizing that too. Around the world there's been a marked increase in the theft of solar panels, with people losing up to tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment in single incidents.

While a solar array may be covered under your home contents insurance policy (and it's a good idea to check that it is) , it doesn't do anything towards the trauma of being a victim of theft and may also increase your insurance premiums.

In most states it is still illegal to have explosive booby traps, death rays, acid bombs, steel jawed traps and high voltage electrification deterrents as a means of protecting your investment from criminals, but with a little bit of ingenuity and common sense you can certainly frustrate their efforts without causing grievous bodily harm to offenders, as desirable as that might be. The great thing is many strategies are quite cheap to implement; especially given the value of your investment.

Here's some handy tips for solar panel security.

Don't boast about how much the panels are worth, you'll only attract attention
Install movement detector lights on your roof. No criminal wants a spotlight shining in their face.
Use one way screws when affixing the panels.
Chain the panels together with heavy gauge nylon coated wire.
If possible, affix a security cable and lock from the panels to below roof level to the roof trusses
Do not leave ladders or other items around the house that make it easier for unscrupulous parties to gain access to your roof
Engrave clear identification into the panel frames

... and for safety's sake, should you be in the unfortunate position of hearing someone scrabbling on your roof late at night, don't confront them. Call the Police.

While there is no way to stop someone who is very determined from stealing your panels, most thefts are opportunistic, so the more difficult you can make it, the more likely that the parties will give up in frustration.

Professional security fittings for your solar panels

Energy Matters is proud to unveil our solar panel anti-theft locking system - a simple, yet extremely effective device; professionally fitted by our solar installation experts!

Solar panel security rail lock system

Solar array anti-theft locking device

Energy Matters' Solar Array Anti-Theft Security Rail works by locking all the panels in your array to each other in such a way as to make removal of individual panels extremely difficult - the array would have to be moved as a single very heavy row and considering the size of the array, transport is almost impossible. The security rail is made of heavy gauge aluminium, so it's lightweight, but very difficult (and noisy) to saw through. To further discourage theft, Energy Matters install the security rail using quality one-way screw fittings.

If you're interested in purchasing the Solar Array Anti-Theft Security Rail, please contact our team for a quote.

Pssst.. wanna buy a cheap solar panel?

At the other end of the spectrum of solar panel theft is a market eager to buy the ill-gotten goods. Stolen solar panels regularly turn up in online classifieds and auction sites. If you're offered solar panels that are very cheap, perform the necessary due diligence and ensure they have been legally acquired by the seller. Failure to do so may see you lose your money and be charged with receiving stolen goods.

If you're in the market for solar modules, check out our huge range of new solar panels - you'll save up to $500 per panel off recommended retail prices!