Do I need critter guards for my solar panel system?

A surprising threat to your solar panels may be the animals that live in the area surrounding your home. Birds and squirrels can damage your solar setup in several ways, leading to unwanted repair costs and headaches. One solution to solar's animal problem is to install "critter guards," a physical barrier between your panels and the local fauna.

Home solar panels are typically installed on your roof, leaving them exposed not just to the weather but also to local wildlife. In particular, birds and squirrels are known to cause damage to rooftop solar installations. Squirrels sometimes nest under rooftop panels and chew through exposed or hanging wires. They can cut power lines from solar panels if they chew the right wire, leading to expensive repairs and power loss. Birds (such as pigeons) often nest under and around panels, causing a buildup of dirt and feces that can significantly lower panel efficiency.

Aside from local animals disturbing your solar system, environmental debris can also lead to panel damage. Dry leaves and twigs can build up under your panels, acting as a dangerous fire hazard near the electrical wires moving power from your panels to your home.

Solar providers commonly offer "critter guards," strips of metal screening resembling high-quality chicken wire. They attach the guards along the sides of rooftop panels to combat damage from animals and the buildup of flammable materials. They're also sometimes referred to as "solar bird netting." Because solar panels are installed with a gap between them and the roof for ventilation purposes, critter guards and bird netting can be installed to block squirrels and birds from getting under and between your panels and causing costly damage. They also block leaves, twigs, and other flammable debris from collecting under your panels and near the wiring, preventing a potential fire hazard.

Many solar installers will offer to install critter guards with your new rooftop panel setup. If critter guards are something you might want installed with your panels, confirm with your solar installer that they can install them. If you decide to install guards post-installation, there are many places to find products. Companies like Snapnrack and SolaTrim manufacture different styles of critter guards, which are sold to solar installers and resellers nationwide.

When looking into critter guards, it is important to find a company that will install them for you, especially if you want to add them to an existing PV system. Attempting to install critter guards yourself can be physically dangerous and dangerous to your current system – rooftop solar setups can be complicated, and pulling a wire or shifting a panel by accident can compromise your entire system. It's always best to let professional installers add critter guards for you.

Find the right solar solution for your home, critter guards, and all

Critter guards can be a worthwhile investment for your solar setup, as they prevent potentially significant damage to your panels while maintaining a clean aesthetic for your roof. The availability of critter guards allows for solar installations anywhere there's sun. Even in areas with high squirrel and bird populations, installing critter guards will protect your PV system from environmental damage.

Solar installers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace can design the ideal system for your home, including critter guards if your home needs them. When you join the Marketplace, you can find the solar installer that's right for your home or business by comparing offers side-by-side to find the best deal. You can indicate your interest in installing critter guards by noting your preferences when you join.