Solar Critter Guard Installation: The Secret to Long-Lasting Solar Systems

As solar energy continues to grow in popularity, homeowners and businesses are turning to solar panels as a way to save on energy costs while helping the environment. But, as with any system, there are challenges to maintaining it. One of the biggest threats to the longevity of your solar panels comes from unexpected sources: animals!

 Yes, critters like squirrels, birds, and rodents often make their way into your solar system, causing significant damage. If you’re wondering “why are there pigeons on my roof” or “how to get rid of squirrels on my roof,” you’re not alone. These are common problems with costly consequences. But don’t worry—there’s a solution! Solar critter guard installation is the secret to protecting your solar panels from these pesky intruders. In this blog, we’ll explore how installing a critter guard for solar panels can make your solar system last longer and run more efficiently.

Why Do You Need Solar Critter Guard Installation?

Your solar panels are exposed to the elements all year round, from the scorching sun to heavy snowfall. While they are designed to be durable, solar panels are not immune to certain types of damage. One of the most common and costly forms of damage comes from animals looking for a warm, dry place to nest.

A squirrel, for example, can easily climb up to your solar panels and chew through wires or even damage the panel structure itself. If you’ve noticed squirrels or pigeons on your roof, chances are they are investigating your solar panels for their next cozy home. The damage they cause is not only expensive to repair, but it can also cause your solar panels to stop working efficiently, leading to lost energy savings.

What Happens When Critters Invade?

Animals like squirrels, birds (especially pigeons), and raccoons often seek shelter in the space between your solar panels and your roof. These critters can cause serious issues:

1. Chewing Through Wires: Squirrels are notorious for chewing on electrical wires. If they chew through the wires in your solar system, it could cause a short circuit or even a fire.
   
2. Clogging Drainage: Animal nests and debris can clog the drainage system under the panels. This can lead to water buildup and potential damage to both your roof and the solar system.
   
3. Physical Damage: Critters can also damage the panels themselves. For example, if a squirrel chews through the edge of a panel, it could cause cracks or break the seal, allowing moisture to seep in and compromise the system.

To prevent all of this from happening, critter guards for solar panels are essential.

What Is a Solar Critter Guard?

A solar critter guard is a protective barrier designed to keep animals away from your solar system. It’s typically made of durable, mesh-like material that wraps around the edges of your solar panels, creating a shield that prevents critters from entering.

The solar critter guard works by blocking the entry points where animals tend to get in, between the panel and the roof. Once installed, the critter guard ensures that no animals can nest or chew through wires, protecting both your solar panels and your roof from pigeons nesting under solar panels and other threats.

Benefits of Solar Critter Guard Installation

When you decide to invest in solar critter guard installation, you’re not just protecting your panels—you’re enhancing the overall efficiency and lifespan of your system. Here’s how:

1. Prevents Expensive Repairs: Solar panels can be costly to repair, and some damages caused by animals might not even be covered under warranty. By installing a critter guard, you can prevent these costly repairs and ensure your panels last longer.
   
2. Improves Efficiency: When animals damage your solar system, the overall performance of your panels can decrease. A critter guard installation ensures that your solar panels remain protected and continue to function at their best.
   
3. Reduces Maintenance Costs: Without pigeon and squirrel damage to solar panels, you’ll spend less money on maintenance and repairs. This makes your investment in solar energy much more worthwhile.
   
4. Eco-Friendly Protection: By preventing animals from nesting in your solar panels, you’re protecting the environment by avoiding unnecessary waste and damage to the system.
   

The Role of Squirrel Guard for Solar Panels

If you live in an area where squirrels are common, you may have already encountered the frustrating reality of a damaged solar system due to these little creatures. Squirrels are particularly known for their habit of chewing on electrical wires. This can be a significant issue for homeowners with solar panels, as it may lead to electrical failures or even fires. To prevent this, a squirrel guard for solar panels is a crucial part of your critter guard system.

A squirrel guard specifically focuses on keeping squirrels away from your panels, especially at the corners where they tend to squeeze in. When installed properly, a squirrel guard for solar panels will keep your solar system safe from their destructive behavior.

Why Squirrel Guard for Solar Panels Is Important

Squirrels are agile creatures and can easily climb up to your roof. Squirrels on your roof often look for a warm, dry place to nest, and your solar panels offer the perfect environment. The problem is that these animals love to chew on anything that looks like a good snack, including wires and insulation.

Installing a squirrel guard for solar panels is a simple and effective way to stop this behavior in its tracks. With the guard in place, squirrels won’t be able to get close to the wiring or insulation, which means your solar system will remain intact and fully functional.

The Problem with Pigeons on Roofs

If you’ve been hearing constant cooing, seeing droppings on your patio or driveway, or finding nesting material in your gutters, chances are you’ve got pigeons on your roof. And if you have solar panels, you’re even more likely to see them. Pigeons love solar panels because it’s a warm, sheltered spot that’s perfect for raising their young. 

The problem? They don’t just settle in quietly. Pigeon droppings on solar panels are highly acidic and can eat away at roofing materials and even the protective layers of your panels. Pigeon nesting under solar panels can block airflow and drainage, leading to water damage and overheating. If you’re searching for “how to get rid of pigeons on my roof” a solar critter guard is the answer.

Pigeon barriers for solar panels prevent pigeons and other animals from nesting under your solar panels in the first place. Once they’re installed, pigeons will no longer have easy access to the space beneath your panels, encouraging them to move elsewhere and saving you from costly cleanup and repairs.

How to Install Solar Critter Guard

Installing a solar critter guard should always be done by a professional in order to ensure a proper fit, no damage to your system, and adherence to your installer warranty.

Here are the general steps involved in solar critter guard installation:

Step 1: Assess the Area

Check for any gaps or openings that pigeons or squirrels could use to enter.

Step 2: Choose the Right Guard

Opt for a durable critter guard that is strong enough to keep all animals out.

Step 3: Install the Guard

Secure the material around the panel perimeter using non-invasive fasteners.

Step 4: Regular Maintenance

Periodically inspect your system to ensure everything is intact and no pigeons have returned.

How to Choose the Right Solar Critter Guard

When it comes to selecting the right solar critter guard, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Material Durability: Ensure the guard is made of materials that can withstand outdoor elements and constant tugging and pulling from animals, especially from persistent pigeons on your roof and solar system. You want a guard that will last for years without deteriorating.
   
2. Size and Fit: Choose a critter guard that fits your solar panels perfectly. A good fit ensures that no critter can slip through gaps and damage your system.
   
3. Cost: Solar critter guard installation is an affordable investment compared to the potential costs of repairs. Consider your budget, but remember that a good-quality critter guard can save you a lot of money in the long run.
   

Install Guard Now!

Solar critter guard installation is an essential part of maintaining a long-lasting and efficient solar system. It keeps animals like squirrels, pigeons and other birds, and rodents from damaging your panels, reducing maintenance costs, and improving overall performance. If you’re looking to protect your investment in solar energy, a critter guard is a small price to pay for big benefits.

Don’t wait until critters cause damage to your solar system. If you’re interested in protecting your solar panels with a critter guard, or want to know how to get rid of pigeons on your roof or keep squirrels away from your panels, contact us today! We can help you with the right solar critter guard installation to keep your system safe and running smoothly for years to come.

FAQs

1. Why do I need a solar critter guard? 

Solar critter guards help prevent damage caused by animals such as squirrels and pigeons chewing on wires or nesting between the panels. Installing a critter guard protects your solar system from costly repairs and ensures it functions at its best.

2. Can a squirrel guard for solar panels prevent damage? 

Yes, a squirrel guard for solar panels helps prevent squirrels from chewing on wires and nesting in the space between your panels. This reduces the risk of damage and ensures your solar system stays functional.

3. Are solar critter guards expensive?

Solar critter guards are affordable and provide long-term savings by preventing costly repairs. The cost of installation is minimal compared to the potential damage animals can cause to your solar panels and roof.

4. How often should I check my solar critter guard?

Inspect your solar critter guard seasonally and after severe weather. Regular checks ensure that the guard is intact and continues to protect your solar system effectively.

This blog is originally published here: https://www.washmesolar.com/solar-critter-guard-installation-the-secret-to-long-lasting-solar-systems/