Bavaria sets record for theft of solar panels

With the expansion of renewable energies, the number of thefts is also increasing. The federal state of Bavaria is constantly setting new records for the theft of solar modules.

In the sign of the energy transition, the expansion of wind power and solar systems is steadily increasing. While the federal states in the north are increasingly relying on wind turbines, in southern Germany the sun is often the means of choice. But with the increasing number of solar modules, thefts are also increasing.

This is also shown recently published figures. While the State Criminal Police Office in Bavaria recorded 44 thefts in 2021, a year later it was 79. And so far it seems as if this figure will continue to rise. By March 2023 alone, the thieves in Bavaria had already struck 16 times.

Theft of solar modules primarily affects companies

Private individuals are not affected as often as operators of solar parks. Because compared to private households, solar parks are often far away from cities and towns. This makes it particularly easy for criminals to strike quickly and efficiently.

In order for the theft to succeed, the thieves get the necessary tools and unscrew the panels at record speed. After loading into a transporter, there is no trace of the modules. Since additional monitoring of solar parks would be utopian, the authorities recommend using special attachments.

Solar energy: Thefts are likely to increase in the coming years

Because the longer it takes to dismantle a panel, the more likely it is that the criminals will stop the action. In addition, barriers that make it difficult to drive on properties could also help. In addition, operators should label their panels more clearly. Preferably in such a way that removing these markings is particularly time-consuming.

Nevertheless, according to the officials, such actions are likely to increase in the future. Due to the growing number of solar systems in the Federal Republic, there is also a huge black market for criminals. It is therefore up to the operators to protect themselves against theft as best they can.

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