Preventing Solar Panel Theft

Without a doubt, home solar systems are helping the environment and innovating the current energy market. An investment in solar panels can save you substantially on escalating energy bills while also supporting a greener future.

Unfortunately, as home solar continues to grow in popularity, so does solar panel theft. Solar thieves have the capabilities to take down panels quickly, just to sell them at a flea market or online to unscrupulous buyers. The loss to a homeowner can be significant. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home solar investment.

Motion Detector Lights

Your first line of defense is to deter unwanted visitors on your property. Thieves prefer easy targets, such as homes where there is poor lighting. Consider adding a home lighting system that includes floodlights, motion sensors and security lights. It is an effective way to ward off prowlers and protect your home and its solar panels.

Alarms

There is a range of home solar system security devices on the market that are easy to install and provide a strong deterrent to solar panel theft. These typically include an alarm system that can alert the police or a monitoring company through an app.

Security Fasteners

The best protection from solar thieves is a multi-layer strategy. Even if lights and alarms don’t deter someone, locks can hinder the quick and easy removal of panels. Specialized solar panel security fasteners are an upgrade to a system that can provide you with peace of mind.

Insurance

If you have been the victim of solar panel theft, you may still be protected through your homeowner’s insurance. Most policies cover rooftop panels, as they are considered a permanent attachment to your property, similar to a patio or a security system. Check the details of your policy to confirm if you have sufficient coverage to pay for replacement if you experience a theft.

Learn more about the advantages of home solar. Call Cool Blew Solar today!

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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