How many solar panels can a thief remove?

Viamon's Strecke says organized raiders typically remove 100 panels to 300 solar panels – 10 tons’ worth at the top end. In one case, he adds, thieves removed more than 15,000 panels – 5 MW of generation capacity – in one weekend. “It is organized crime, with big logistics in the background,” he says.

Are solar panels stolen?

Several instances of solar panel theft have been reported, including an incident at Gateshead International stadium as well as a larger incident in 2021 in which 221 solar panels were stolen from a solar farm. Solar panel theft is the primary issue, although some landowners report that it isn’t just the panels themselves that are stolen.

Are solar panels a crime?

Vandalism is not always a planned, deliberate crime. Still, it can be caused by disruptive individuals who see a remote field of solar panels as a chance to cause extreme damage without being caught, smashing solar panels and rendering them redundant.

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.

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 many solar panels can a Raider remove?

DeterTech, which also offers remotely monitored CCTV cameras and products to warn potential intruders, has almost 1 GW of solar generation capacity under its protection. Viamon's Strecke says organized raiders typically remove 100 panels to 300 solar panels – 10 tons’ worth at the top end.