Thousands of Australian homeowners face a financial shock if their solar systems are tampered with or stolen due to a common insurance oversight.
As rooftop solar and battery installations surge across the country, experts warn that many families are overlooking a critical risk that could leave them thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Aussie Solar Batteries founder and CEO Steven Yu warns that these systems are becoming “high-value targets” for thieves.
“The solar panels and batteries cost a lot of money to install,” Mr Yu told News Corp Australia.
“On average, a system costs between $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of the battery and panels. They carry significant value and can be sold as second-hand gear.”
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Aussie Solar Batteries founder and CEO Steven Yu. Picture: Supplied
One of the biggest risks is a massive insurance gap many fail to spot until it is too late. Mr Yu said many owners need to urgently check their policies.
“Most people add solar panels and batteries after they buy their home and contents insurance,” he said.
“In most policies, you are required to update your cover to have the battery and panels included in case of theft.
“It is a quick reminder for people to check their policies and make sure the system is covered.”
Mr Yu noted that the recent federal cheaper home battery rebate has made these units increasingly popular, often leading to them being installed in accessible locations.
“Especially for the battery, these days the units are quite compact and generally installed on an external wall or outside the house,” he said.
“They can be removed relatively easily. That is why they have become a target for theft and tampering.”
Rooftop solar and battery installations have surged across the country. Picture: iStock
The expert explained that while solar panels are usually mounted on the roof, single-storey or double level homes or those in regional areas with ground-mounted panels are at higher risk.
“It is not too hard to use screwdrivers to unscrew the corners of the panels, pull the cables away, and transport them,” he said.
Mr Yu offered several tips for homeowners to protect their investment:
– Install anti-theft fasteners: Ask installers for fasteners that require specific tools to disassemble panels, which significantly increases the time it takes for a thief to act.
– Upgrade security: Add motion-sensor lights and CCTV cameras near where your panels and batteries are installed to act as a deterrent, especially at night.
– Secure the meter box: Add locks to your meter box and main switch boxes to prevent tampering.
– Secure your digital access: Most home batteries connect to your home Wi-Fi and mobile apps. Regularly update your Wi-Fi password and encryption settings to prevent remote access by hackers.
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