No, this isn't an update to tell you that the criminals are trying to do their part to go green. It's more along the lines of criminals have realized that stealing solar panels is quite a lucrative business.

It would seem that they've realized that solar panels are worth quite a bit of money. The first time I read about this happening I was pretty shocked. I mean, you have to take them off the mounts, disconnect the wire, get them down off the roof... all without breaking them.

They also can't make very much noise. The only common trend in each of the reports that I've read indicate that they are only targeting businesses.

I can only surmise that businesses are targeted because no one is there overnight, so residential home owners should be ok.

The latest theft was from the Rutherford Winery where thieves made off with 25 panels valued at over $30K.

Apparently, the number of solar panel thefts is increasing year over year so in addition to getting panels the businesses will also need to install some sort of security system as well.

I just want to reassure you that only businesses have been targeted so far. Since you can hear footsteps on your roof thieves probably aren't going to target the residential market... yet.

It's a pretty sad day when you have to have security measures to protect everything you own.