Prevent Theft of Your Solar Panels

I don't hear people talking about how to prevent their solar panels from being stolen, so I thought I would make a video on this topic. These panels cost a lot of money and they would make an easy target for a thief to steal for some quick cash.

Here is one idea I am implementing using locks. Drill bits are titanium coated.

Let me know if you have other ideas to keep our investments safe.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• alternative
• off-the-grid
• solar
• drill
• steel
• aluminum

[awomansworld123]

Nice video, I am always afraid that someone is watching my every move and looking to steal what I work hard for. I secured my panels to the board/stand I built. Nothing like yours but it gives me a chance to get the would be criminal off my property. LOL. Thanks for sharing

[field16]

@awomansworld123 Thank you.

[nomoreremakes]

I have an idea... How about using that cord that is used to secure laptops?

You could drill holes in the panel and thread it through and wrap it around the mounting frames. That stuff is pretty strong, isn't it?

[field16]

@nomoreremakes Good thinking... A laptop cord would protect the solar panel as if the panel were a laptop. I think the chain I'm using is thicker than that, though, and harder to get cutters around it to cut. Anything can be cut, of course, so we're trying to just make it more difficult to steal the panel. I like your idea though - it would offer the same protection for a panel as it would for a computer.

[wtam69]

Hi Field, I just bought a 60 w miracle panel off ebay. It's a miracle panel because it got to my house in one piece (box has big hole in it.) Can you design something that administers a mild shock to would be thieves when they touch the frame? You always see these gadgets that can give a person a shock when the trickster shake hands with you.

Now, I'm afraid to put my new panel out. They'll probably leave my homemade panel and steal the factory made one.

Paul from NY

[field16]

Hi, Paul, I personally have not ever installed an electric shock device, but I know people do make them. They can run off a 12V battery... could be the same battery you are charging with your panels. I like your idea, but with a couple small kids, I can't install something like this, so I chose the lock idea instead. Hope your panels don't get stolen!

[urgentcareguy3]

May I suggest a trip wire or a cut me and I will set off an alarm wire? : ) You might try a recording of a 12 gauge bolt action Mossberg.

[field16]

So anyone trying to remove the panel gets

shocked? Thanks for your comment.

[VWRabbitdiesel]

nice video, I also was on the edge of my seat watching you drill into the backside of that panel. to bad you have to take these measures to keep your stuff I have wired 120 AC into the frame and put a ground lead into the dirt, seems to work well.

[field16]

@tonmagicwon There is a way to steal anything. This is a deterrent to help make it more difficult, not impossible, to steal a solar panel.