In the First part of this PV theft Series we discussed the tactics utilized by thieves to steal Solar Modules, In this second part we will let you know where these stolen Modules end up?
RE-USE, RECYCLE or RE-SELL?
So our question was where does these stolen modules end up - the Awnser is All of the above.
In US experts say most of the Modules end up on Craigs list, Ebay or some other online selling websites and California is now becoming the Black Market Center for stolen modules.
A large number of modules are stolen from vineyards, which is the prime center of attraction for module theft. According to San Fransisco Business times, The Police in Napa valley, a mojar wine growing region in US say that Marijuana growers are stealing these modules for their own use, so that the electricity required to grow large quantities of marijuana inside a home or building would'nt be detected.
In less developed countries, due to lack of proper regulations resale of Solar Modules are pretty simple.
But in countries like UK, as the feed in Tarrif (FIT) regulations doesnot allow second hand equipments to be used pose a challenge to the resale of stolen Modules. Also the applicants of FIT in UK must show a invoice for the installation and due to that there is a relatively low module theft rate.
In India, most of these modules end up in Recycling houses, where these modules are bought up by the recycling houses at cheap rates.
Now the next Question is how can we protect ourselfs from these theft scenarios. Stay tuned for Part 3.
