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Solar panels are designed to be durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. In most cases, a well-installed solar system can run efficiently for 25 years or more. However, one issue many homeowners don’t anticipate is pest activity beneath and around their solar panels. Birds, pigeons, squirrels, and rodents are naturally attracted to the warm, sheltered space beneath solar arrays. Once they move in, they build nests, chew wiring, scratch surfaces, and leave corrosive droppings.
While this might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, pest damage can quickly lead to efficiency loss and even void system warranties if left unchecked.
This blog explores how pests cause damage, the hidden risks homeowners don’t always see coming, and how proactive protection can save thousands in avoidable repairs.
Solar panels create what pests love most: a safe, warm, elevated shelter.
Here’s why they move in:
The space beneath solar panels traps warmth, especially during cooler months. This creates a dry, comfortable nesting space protected from snow, rain, and predators.
Being high off the ground keeps pests away from dogs, cats, raccoons, and other threats.
Most solar panel arrays have gaps along the perimeter. Birds and rodents only need a few inches of clearance to enter and nest.
Urban homes, parks, restaurant districts, and open fields all provide easy food access for pigeons and rodents.
Once pests claim your solar panels as home, they rarely leave on their own. The longer they stay, the more damage they create. Install solar critter guards to avoid pest infestation.
Rodents have constantly growing teeth and chew wiring to keep them short. Unfortunately, your solar wiring is perfect for them.
Damage caused:
Twigs, insulation, leaves, and debris from pigeon and other birds nests can block drainage channels. When water can’t drain properly, it can pool beneath panels and seep into the roof.
Possible consequences:
Bird droppings are highly acidic. Over time, they corrode metal frames, gutters, and roofing surfaces.
If droppings accumulate on the panels themselves, they reduce sunlight exposure and energy output.
If pests damage panel wiring or internal components, certain cells may overheat. These “hot spots” can spread and permanently reduce power output.
Left unchecked, hot spots can destroy an entire panel.
Even a small amount of pest activity can significantly reduce energy production.
Here’s how:
The decline may be gradual and easy to miss. Many homeowners only notice when utility bills start climbing again.
This is where many homeowners face expensive surprises.
Most solar warranties specifically exclude damage caused by animals.
That means:
And if pest activity leads to moisture damage or electrical failure, the manufacturer can deny future claims because the system was not properly protected or maintained.
Even professional labor warranties often state that the system must be kept clear of animal infestations.
In other words:
Pest damage doesn’t just cost money to repair. It can void future protection you paid for.
If you notice any of the following, pests may already be beneath your panels:
The earlier you act, the easier and cheaper the fix.
The most reliable solution is installing critter guards (also called pest barriers, pigeon guards, squirrel barriers/barriers, solar panel mesh, etc). These are mesh or metal screens that attach around the edges of your solar array, blocking entry points without interfering with ventilation or panel performance.
Once installed:
This solution is recommended by roofing experts, pest control specialists, and solar installers.
Choosing the right pest exclusion provider isn’t just about blocking pests today. It’s about preventing recurring problems year after year. Wash Me Solar provides one of the strongest protection guarantees in Utah with a Lifetime Warranty on the critter guard material.
If the guard ever becomes loose or detached due to birds, squirrels, or winter weather conditions, Wash Me Solar will come out and reattach or replace it at no cost. Snow and ice movement can sometimes put pressure on the guard and clips, but as long as homeowners notify the team quickly, repairs are covered before birds return to nest again.
For homeowners enrolled in our Biannual or Triannual solar panel cleaning plans, coverage goes even further. These customers also receive a Cleanup Warranty, meaning both the guard system and any nest cleanup or debris removal are fully covered for as long as they remain on the cleaning schedule. This provides complete peace of mind, preventing future labor charges, damage costs, or system downtime.
Reach out to Wash Me Solar today to protect your home against pests! Call or text us at 801-210-1387. We look forward to serving you.
Pest damage isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It affects energy efficiency, system lifespan, and even warranty validity. The warmth and shelter beneath solar panels make them a natural attraction for pigeons and rodents, but with the right protection in place, you can prevent long-term damage.
If you’ve seen birds on your roof, heard scratching noises, or noticed increasing utility bills, now is the time to act.
Protect your panels proactively rather than paying for preventable repairs later.
Contact Wash Me Solar today to schedule a full inspection and get a customized critter guard protection plan designed for your roof and solar system. Your investment deserves to stay safe, efficient, and protected year-round.
