How To Prevent Theft Of Portable Solar Panel When Camping Or Tailgating
Updated 08/07/2025 | Published 07/14/2025
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Question:
How do I keep my panels safe from theft at festivals or trailheads? I travel most of the summer and work from home in my setup on the road :)
asked by: Greg
Expert Reply:
That's certainly a valid concern Greg; we’ve had customers at Overland Expo and vanlife meetups use small bike cable locks looped through the frame. One even zip-tied an Apple AirTag to one of the panel's legs of the Rich Solar Mega 200 Portable Solar Panel # RS85FR.
If you’re leaving them out while gone, set them close to your rig and out of main foot traffic. And don’t forget to write your name and phone number on the back, just in case an honest neighbor finds it first.
I would grab a long cable lock like etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long # e98891 and secure it to a small tree, or if close to the vehicle, then go through a part of the bumper.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rich Solar Mega 200 Portable Solar Panel with Case - MC4 Connectors - 200 Watts
- Portable Solar Panel
- Panel Only
- Battery
- Power Station
- RV Solar Prep
- 101 - 200 Watts
- 10.1 Amps or More
- AGM
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Gel
- Lithium - liFePO4
- Rich Solar
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Andrew N.
8/7/2025
Hey Greg, How did the bike cable locks or the AirTag work out for keeping your panels safe during your travels? I'm curious to know if these tips helped, as it could be useful for others in similar situations.