Solar Theft on the Rise as SA Faces Energy Challenges

Homeowners grapple with rising insecurity

Homeowners in South Africa, especially those with rooftop solar installations, are facing a new wave of crime in 2024—solar panel theft. As the country grapples with an ongoing energy crisis, criminals are increasingly targeting these valuable systems, leaving residents vulnerable to substantial financial losses.

South Africa’s crime statistics reveal a worrying rise in property theft. The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that between April and June 2024, there were 34,075 home burglaries—averaging 379 incidents per day. Gauteng province leads with the highest number of burglaries, but this trend is being seen across the country.

Solar panel theft is on the rise, fueled by the soaring demand for alternative energy sources amidst the nation’s electricity challenges. In 2023, South Africa experienced one of its worst years of load shedding, with daily power cuts due to Eskom’s crumbling infrastructure. Many homeowners turned to solar power as a solution, leading to a surge in installations and making solar panels a lucrative target for thieves.

By early 2024, South Africa had imported R17.5 billion worth of solar panels, and criminals quickly caught on to the opportunity. Solar panels and their components, such as silver, aluminium, and copper, hold significant resale value on the black market. Rodney Taylor, managing director of Guardian Eye, noted that these materials are highly sought after, adding to the appeal for criminals.

Thieves have become more sophisticated, often disabling security systems or operating in rural and suburban areas where homes are less monitored. In some cases, entire solar setups, including inverters and batteries, have been stolen, leaving homeowners with incomplete systems and hefty replacement costs. Police in Kwa-Zulu Natal recently recovered stolen solar panels and batteries in Kosi Bay.

In response to the growing theft epidemic, some manufacturers are coming up with creative solutions. For example, an Eastern European manufacturer now produces panels designed specifically for the South African market. These panels appear damaged on the surface, making them less attractive to thieves but still fully functional.

The rise in solar theft is set against the backdrop of South Africa’s skyrocketing electricity tariffs, which have increased by 927% since 2007. Even though there has been a brief respite from load shedding in 2024, energy analysts predict continued demand for solar installations as electricity prices keep climbing. Unfortunately, this also means that solar theft will likely remain a serious problem for homeowners.

To protect their investments, homeowners can take several steps. Installing surveillance cameras, motion-sensor lighting, and tamper-resistant hardware can help deter thieves. Securing inverters and batteries in locked enclosures and working with local security companies to integrate solar systems into home security plans are also effective strategies. Some insurance policies now offer coverage specifically for solar equipment, providing an additional layer of financial protection.

Gauteng accounts for the largest share of home burglaries, with just over 21% of reported incidents, while the Northern Cape, being the least populated province, has the lowest burglary rate at 3.5%. The worst-hit areas for break-ins include Mankweng in Limpopo, followed by Plessislaer and Inanda in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

As South Africa’s energy crisis continues and the demand for solar installations rises, homeowners must remain vigilant against the growing threat of solar panel theft.