Solar Panel theft in South Africa

Solar panels are great until they grow legs, which in SA is not uncommon. There is not a lot that you can do to protect your panels. Some ideas:

• install the panels REALLY high up. Try 6m above the ground. Ensure that 100mm square tube or thicker is used, fill with concrete if you can. Form experience, 50mm square tube is putty in the hands of competent thieves.
• build a steel frame around the solar panels. In Johannesburg call Jude +27 60 301 5589
• put a PIR (passive infra red) sensor pointing at your panels.
• Cellphone tower operators in South Africa often use a strong steel frame and bolt the panels onto the frame with hard to access bolts or shear nuts.