Are solar panels stolen?

By way of example, in August, solar panels worth approximately £10 500 were stolen from an energy farm in Northamptonshire. Solar panel theft is not limited to large scale and commercial solar farms either – homes in remote areas are also vulnerable, with thieves reportedly swiping panels from people’s roofs. Why?

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

Are solar panels causing a spate of theft in the UK?

This specific spate of theft has been triggered by soaring values – particularly in relation to metals and machinery – and the low supply of farm machinery worldwide. And alongside machinery, recent figures from the UK police suggest criminals have set their sights on another lucrative opportunity – solar panels.

Are solar panels a target for criminals?

Large solar panel farm installations can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, and even small-scale residential grids require an upfront investment. This factor is one of many that make solar panels an easy target for criminals. Let’s look at some of the major issues:

How much does a solar theft cost?

Strecke says European solar thefts typically cause €60,000 ($63,900) of damage, when repairs and loss of business are factored in. “Solar crime is on the increase,” says Rachael Oakley, director of crime intelligence at Telford-based DeterTech, formally known as SmartWater Group thanks to its product-marking technology.

What if solar theft is not brought under control?

Not only that, but if solar theft is not brought under control, it will delay the country from reaching its net zero goals. With nights growing darker earlier from October, the risk of theft increases, so action must be taken around this issue, and fast.