Do people steal solar panels?

Virtually never from UK rooftops. Panels are heavy (20kg each), bolted with specialist fixings, conspicuous to remove, have low resale value (£30–£100), and carry dangerous voltage in daylight. UK police do not track solar panel theft as a separate crime because it is so rare.

Are solar panels covered for theft?

Yes — standard buildings insurance covers solar panel theft. Your insurer must be notified that panels are installed (which you should do anyway). The excess applies. Given the rarity of theft, this is adequate protection.

Should I worry about solar panel theft?

No — not for rooftop panels on a residential property. The risk is negligible. Basic home security (existing CCTV, motion lights) is more than sufficient. Ground-mounted panels in remote locations may warrant anti-tamper bolts.

How can I prevent solar panel theft?

For rooftop: standard home security is sufficient (the risk is virtually zero). For ground-mounted remote installations: anti-tamper bolts (£20–£50), security fencing, CCTV, motion lighting, and 'CCTV in operation' signage.

Home Solar Guide

Solar Panel Theft: Is It a Real Risk?

Last updated: 18 March 2026

Independently written

Solar panels securely mounted on UK home roof — theft is extremely rare — Solar panels on roofs are very difficult to steal — and not worth much on the second-hand market.

Do solar panels get stolen?

Solar panel theft from UK rooftops is extremely rare — virtually unheard of. Each panel weighs 20kg, is bolted to the roof with specialised fixings, requires tools and ladders to remove, is conspicuous during removal, has a low second-hand value (£30–£100 per used panel), and is traceable via serial numbers. Ground-mounted panels in remote locations have slightly higher theft risk. Standard home security (CCTV, lighting) is more than adequate for any concern.

Why Rooftop Solar Theft Is Virtually Non-Existent

Each panel weighs 20kg — heavy and awkward to carry down a ladder
Panels are bolted to roof rails with specialised clamps — requires tools and time to remove
Removing panels is conspicuous — a person on your roof with tools is noticed by neighbours
DC wiring carries 300-600V in daylight — dangerous to disconnect without expertise
Used panels have low resale value (£30–£100 each) — not worth the risk
Serial numbers on every panel — traceable if reported stolen
Most homes have CCTV, motion lights, or visible security measures
Insurance covers theft — any loss is claimable on buildings insurance

UK crime data confirms: There are no significant statistics on residential solar panel theft in the UK. Police forces do not track it as a separate crime category because it is so rare. In contrast, catalytic converter theft (easy to steal, high resale value) is a significant and tracked crime — illustrating that thieves target items that are quick to take and valuable to sell. Solar panels are neither.

Source: UK crime statistics; Police crime reporting categories.

Panels are heavy and require tools to remove — impractical to steal — 20kg per panel, bolted to rails, on a roof requiring a ladder — extremely impractical to steal.

Where Theft Risk IS Higher (Ground-Mounted)

Ground-mounted panels in remote locations (farms, allotments, remote outbuildings) have a slightly higher theft risk because: - They are accessible without ladders - Remote locations have no witnesses - Mounting clamps can be removed with basic tools - The location may not have CCTV or security lighting

Precautions for ground-mounted panels: - Security fencing around the array - CCTV cameras covering the panels - Motion-activated security lighting - Anti-tamper bolts on mounting clamps (require special tool to undo) - Visible 'CCTV in operation' signage (deterrent) - Register panels on property marking databases (SmartWater, Immobilise)

Even with these precautions, ground-mounted theft remains rare. The low resale value of used panels makes them an unattractive target.

Source: Rural crime prevention guidance; NFU security advice.

Ground-mounted panels in gardens have marginally higher theft risk than rooftop — Ground-mounted panels are more accessible — consider anti-tamper bolts and CCTV for remote sites.

Insurance Protection

Your buildings insurance covers solar panel theft. If panels were stolen (extremely unlikely):

1. Report to the police (crime reference number needed for insurance claim) 2. Contact your insurer with photos of the installation and MCS certificate 3. Claim for replacement panels + installation labour 4. Excess applies (typically £250–£500)

Most insurers do not charge any additional premium for solar theft risk — it is that rare.

Source: ABI insurance guidance.

Solar panels on UK homes — securely mounted and insured — 1.3 million UK homes have solar — theft is not a realistic concern for any of them.

Find out how much you could save

Answer a few questions and receive personalised solar quotes — completely free.

Start My Quote

Free, no obligation. Takes 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what solar could save you?

Get free, no-obligation quotes from MCS-certified installers in your area.

Get Free Quotes