[RE-wrenches] Security / theft questions

[R Ray Walters]

Off grid systems definitely get stolen, not only modules, but inverters, and even batteries.  Off grid gear probably gets split up and reused by other off grid persons nearby, or used on RVs/ buses traveling through.  I would think very few are reused on GT systems.  The modules are rarely reused in any professional systems, but become part of true "outlaw" systems (maybe they'll fry something for their Karma) 

I've seen a couple of "shady" modules that  seemed obviously stolen: leads cut instead of disconnected, bent and ripped rails where one bolt wouldn't let go, serial #s and labels peeled off.....
I call the cops usually, when I see obvious signs.

I've tried various security hardware, but it can usually be overcome by a guy with a vice grips and a needle nose pliers, and is ridiculously expensive. 
I use regular SS, but damage the threads after installation to cause spalling.  They can get it off, but it will seriously slow them down.
One system I replaced after being stolen, I installed a signal wire to the security system, it was wired through each module J box (a few yrs ago) and had to be cut to remove the module or disconnected.
Roof mounts obviously help, but are not a guarantee.  Most of the trouble I saw was with vacant houses owned by out of state people.   Rarely did modules  disappear from full time residences.
Another trick used for the Forest Service was to use a 20 ft tall pole mount.
On larger commercial stuff in the cities, they steal the copper, not the modules.

I think overall theft of modules is on the decline because they have:
1) dropped substantially in price
2) are much larger and cumbersome than before
3) little use to town folks, who don't even know what to do with them.
4) higher voltages that are no longer 12 v DC compatible.

Ray Walters
NABCEP since 2004

On Jul 6, 2012, at 11:04 AM, Rebekah Hren wrote:

> I'm researching an article on PV system security/theft, and I thought it would be interesting to ask the wrenches list what y'all have been seeing on sites, hoping it might be useful for everyone. 
> 
> Answers to any of these questions would be really appreciated:
> 
> 1) On my sites copper has been stolen, but never modules. Is anyone seeing stolen modules, or is it more copper/tools/equipment thefts because its easy to pawn? What the heck would you do with stolen modules besides use them on your own property? Searching craiglist and ebay I haven't seen any sign of what look to be stolen modules. I'm having a hard time figuring out what you would do with a significant quantity of stolen modules. 
> 
> 2) It is very hard to prove that a security measure works, but you can prove that one has failed. Has anyone had experience with thefts on sites using security hardware? Using cameras? Using guards? If a theft occurred, was it during or after installation?
> 
> 3) What about theft from non-secured sites? 
> 
> 4) Is theft something you are worried about on residential/ commercial roof systems after the installation is complete? 
> 
> 
> Many thanks!
> Rebekah Hren
> O2 Energies, 
> North Carolina
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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