Organised criminal syndicates targeting solar installations in South Africa
Guardian Eye managing director Rodney Taylor has warned that organised criminal syndicates are targeting solar installations in South Africa.
Speaking to Cape Talk, Taylor explained that rooftop solar systems were highly valuable and easily accessible to criminals.
“There’s always going to be the opportunity for people to look at opportunities to steal the panels,” he said.
Taylor added that criminals will also target solar systems’ lithium-ion batteries due to their high asking price, and he believes that organised groups target household solar systems.
Taylor said that a lot of solar panel theft occurred in transit, before panels arrived at a site for installation, or where they were stored.
“That’s still a massive concern in South Africa at the moment: the hijacking in transit or where physical panels are actually stored,” he said.
“Your outlying areas are still very high targets. It’s the outlying areas where it’s very difficult to protect these assets.”
Recent research published by Rhodes University found that a large share of residents in four Eastern Cape towns were hesitant to get a solar system due to the risk of theft.
According to Taylor, South Africa is increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to protect solar panels against theft.
“AI is now dominating the security industry when it comes to protecting assets. So our AI is getting smarter, especially around the protection of panels, and is getting much more cost-effective,” he said.
“In 2026, we’re seeing the adoption of drones. That allows us to manage drones with AI from central points to protect these types of assets.”
Aside from using AI and drones, insurers like King Price have outlined practical measures homeowners can implement to protect their panels from theft.
These include upgrading perimeter security, properly securing tools, employing reputable security companies, and using tamper-resistant hardware.
Best forms of protection
King Price client experience officer Wynand van Vuuren said that proper security was one of the most effective deterrents against solar panel theft.
“Installing sturdy fencing or walls, electric fencing, beams, and motion-sensor lighting can make it much harder for thieves to access anything on your property,” Van Vuuren said.
He added that motion-sensor cameras were particularly useful as they alerted homeowners to any suspicious activity near their home in real-time.
Van Vuuren said opportunistic criminals used a homeowner’s own tools to access their solar panels if the tools weren’t well secured.
“Don’t give criminals access to the tools they need to steal your solar panels. Lock away ladders, garden equipment, and any other items that could help them reach your rooftop installation,” he said.
He advised that homeowners request that their installers use hard-to-remove bolts and fasteners for their solar system during installation.
According to Van Vuuren, integrating home solar systems with a broader home security plan was wise, including using a reputable security firm connected to your alarms and camera systems.
He also advised that homeowners keep their batteries and inverters securely locked away in hard-to-access enclosures.
“Even with the best security measures in place, it’s essential to ensure your solar installation is covered by insurance,” Van Vuuren added.
“The good news is that your losses are likely covered if your solar system is installed by a certified electrician who issues a certificate of compliance (COC), and you’ve insured it properly.”
Van Vuuren added that homeowners must inform insurers of their solar installation and provide the required supporting documents.
“You’ll also need to make sure that the insured value for your buildings is updated to include the system,” he said.
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