Light fingers lift Melton couple’s solar power inverter

A Melton couple is pleading with the public to help find their stolen solar power inverter.

The light-blue inverter was stolen from the Hewson Street home of Peter Chalmers about 3am on Monday, February 23.

“My wife woke up to a noise and the dog next door was barking,” Mr Chalmers said.

“She got up but couldn’t get a clear view as the blinds were down because it was really hot outside.”

The Synergy inverter, which costs between $500 and $800, is 35 centimetres by 30 centimetres by 10 centimetres.

Mr Chalmers asked anyone with information to contact the police.

“[The inverter] takes the electricity from the solar panel and puts it into the electrical system,” Mr Chalmers said.

“And if you’re not using the electricity, it sends it out into the lines so it’s not just an advantage for us; it’s an advantage for other people as well.”

Mr Chalmers said the thief removed the inverter by cutting its wires, “which was a very dangerous thing to do”.

The inverter, which was in the front yard, weighs about 15 kilograms and is of no use to anyone unless it’s mounted onto the wall with its own brackets.

The Chalmers’ stolen inverter was new, as their other two broke down a couple of weeks ago.

More information

Anyone with information is urged to contact Melton police on 9747 7999.