Installing a Renogy 100 watt Suitcase solar Panel

While it would be hard to deter a determined thief, I have taken actions to discourage an easy theft of my solar panel. While I could have tied a vicious pit-bull to the solar panel, I'll try to describe what I did instead.

On the frame of the solar panel I installed a stainless steel flanged loop held on by security screws. Such screws can only be tightened (clockwise) using a flat blade screwdriver. The security screw has no purchase for the screwdriver to turn it in the opposite direction. It is strictly clockwise tightening only. Threaded onto the screws on the inside side of the frame, there are nuts and lock washers. These are situated behind an L-shaped aluminum extrusion that blocks wrench access to the nuts. So while the security screws can easily be tightened up to secure the loop, they would be almost impossible to remove.

The stainless steel loop is used as an attachment point for a stainless steel cable (of suitable length) that is attached to the trailer frame or other non moveable object. The cable is attached to the solar panel by a standard padlock. Each end of the cable has permanently formed loops. I had this cable made at a local marine supply hardware store. They were able swage the loops on each end without charge. I just paid for the hardware. They make up cables like this for such things as guy lines for sailboat masts.

The solar panel is thus locked to a cable securely attached to the trailer. So someone just walking by couldn't easily grab the panel and run. Of course someone using a bolt cutter or hacksaw could, given enough time, defeat the whole scheme. But with everything out in public view that would be less likely.

It took quite a bit of contortion to get the nuts and lock washers (located behind the extrusion) to thread onto the security screws. But it can be done with effort. Once threaded on, the whole assembly tightens up quickly and easily. This is particularly so once the lock washers begin to grip the nuts.

I'll try to get some photos showing the security loop and how the cable is secured to the trailer frame and the solar panel. Such details are hard to describe in words. I hope this writeup will be of use to those wanting to provide a bit of anti-theft security for their solar panel.