According to solar experts, we can expect to see more and more people investing in solar energy in the next decade.
This is no surprise – solar panels are great for the earth and for the ‘pockets.’ However, as they start becoming a hot new product for us to install on our house or in our yard, there will probably be a considerable rise in solar panel theft. But, do not let this discourage you from installing solar panels. There are many ways you can force those thieves to think twice before entering your property. And, that will be our topic of the day. So, today, let us talk about how to protect your solar panels from theft and thus save all the time, energy, and money you have invested in it.
Use a Lock
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect your solar panels from theft is by buying a lock. You can buy a simple lock and use it to attach your solar panels to something heavy. Or, you can buy a lock that has motion sensors. Besides not allowing thieves to walk away with your solar panels without any resistance, these motion sensors can also sound an alarm when somebody tries moving your solar panels, or it will send you a notification on your phone. Of course, the second lock will be more expensive, but it is going to be worth it. One of the biggest mistakes of going solar is spending a lot of money on solar equipment and then cutting corners on its security. Thus, save your investment by locking them in place.
Place Your Panels Somewhere Difficult to Reach
Suppose you haven’t installed your solar panels just yet. This means that you still have the time to make smart solar choices. And one of those choices is when and where you should put your solar panels. To answer is an easy one – spring! According to all solar installers, spring is the best time for solar panel installation. And, to answer where – somewhere challenging to reach.
In most cases, that is your rooftop.
But, some people think that placing them on the ground (over parking lots, next to the exterior walls of the house, etc.) is also a good idea. It is, in theory. But, in practice, it is something that will attract thieves. Thus, be smart! When buying solar panels, buy those that can be mounted on rooftops – this is where they will be the safest.
Add Motion-detecting Lights around Your Solar Panels
When it comes to home security, many specialists for this will tell you that you need to light up the place. Moreover, they will tell you to invest in good-quality motion sensor lights. These will light up whenever somebody comes near them. So, place them next to your gate, above your front door, and close to your solar panels. Thus, if a thief tries to steal your solar panels in the middle of the night, everyone (including your neighbors and yourself) will be alerted.
However, be careful when choosing light bulbs for your motion detecting systems. It would help if you had something powerful and long-lasting. Our advice is to use LED lights – they are the brightest and the most energy-efficient option for all households. And, don’t let their price scare you – even though they cost approximately 14 times more than a standard light bulb, their life expectancy is about 50 times longer. Thus, you are not losing money – you are saving it!
Invest in Security Cameras
Those same specialists mentioned above will also tell you that one of the best ways to protect your solar panels from theft is by investing in good-quality cameras. You should be aware that thieves know the price of solar panels; they know how expensive they are. Most of them will do whatever it takes to steal them. They will even wait for you to leave your home and then strike. Of course, the locks and the lights may not save your panels once you are gone. But, what will save them are security cameras. Believe it or not, 99% of thieves will stay away from your property if you have cameras. So, you know what to do – invest in good-quality ones.
Moreover, just like you would look for the best solar power companies to install your solar panels, you should also look for the best security camera installers. Do try to do this yourself if you are not tech-savvy. Professionals are there to get the job done easily, quickly, and efficiently. So, leave it up to them.
Put up Signs
Another great way to protect your solar panels from theft is to display warning signs everywhere. Those can be signs telling others that you have security cameras installed around your property. You can use these signs even if you don’t have a security camera – in most cases, they work! They scare away the thieves who don’t want to risk it. Most thieves will not walk into your property if they see that you have cameras everywhere. So, give them a go – they are cheap to buy and easy to place where necessary. Moreover, besides the ‘camera’ signs, you can also use ‘No Trespassing, ‘Beware of Dog’, ‘Electric Shock Hazard’, etc.
Get Insurance
No matter how much you try to protect your solar panels from theft, there are always going to be thieves who will outsmart you, unfortunately. And, if they do, you will be left without your solar panels and your money. You will not be able to get the solar panel back, but you will be able to get the money. Of course, to get your money back, you should get insurance for your solar panels as soon as they are mounted on your roof. You can get theft insurance from your own insurance company or ask the solar company whether they are offering theft insurance. Once you do this, you will not have to worry about thieves and financial losses.