Due To The Impact Of The Energy Crisis, Germany's Recent Solar Theft Is Frequent

Theft of solar modules and inverters in Germany increased rapidly in the first half of the year amid the energy crisis and growing demand for solar energy, according to the Saxony State Criminal Police Office.

According to data released by the Saxony State Criminal Police Office, Germany received a total of 34 thefts related to solar modules and inverters in the first half of this year, and there are 27 such crimes in 2021. Monthly solar thefts have surpassed all of last year.

In Saxony alone, losses in the first half of the year exceeded 250,000 euros. In the past two weeks, such reports have become more frequent, including the theft of 114 solar modules from a construction site in Alzberg, Germany, and about 30,000 euros ($29,790) of solar modules and components in Branden. Naun in Fort Canton was stolen.

Authorities say thieves are members of organised gangs that use vans to steal solar modules and components. Modules are most often stolen from large commercial rooftop and ground-mounted systems, but thieves are also increasingly targeting smaller residential systems.