(Solar panels were stolen from Jim and Shayna Powell’s roof in Palm Desert, Calif. Photo by J. Emilio Flores for The New York Times)
As solar panels become lighter, more efficient and more appealing to ordinary homeowners, they’re also becoming more attractive to thieves.
No one keeps statistics about this particular crime, but the New York Times reports solar panels are disappearing left and right — particularly in California, where so many trends begin.
Investigators do not believe the thieves are acting out of concern for their carbon footprints. Rather, authorities assume that many panels make their way to unwitting homeowners, sometimes via the World wide web.
Last November, someone tried to sell solar panels stolen from a toll road in Newport Beach for $100 each on eBay. Detectives from the local police department entered the bidding and won the panels, which were worth nearly $1,500 apiece, according to Sgt. Evan Sailor, a Newport Beach police spokesman.
It makes sense when you consider it. Solar panels are relatively heavy, but they’re extremely valuable and they have to be out in the open.
I’d guess the key to solving this problem won’t be arresting thieves. Instead, it will probably be educating buyers and convincing them to stay away from black-market sales.
I can’t envision how angry I’d be if I spent $25,000 on solar panels and someone took them a few months later.
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