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Solar panels are a significant investment in sustainable energy, promising long-term savings and environmental benefits. They do, however, require some maintenance and have some risks associated with ownership. Critters such as pigeons, squirrels, raccoons and smaller birds love to nest under solar panels, as the heat from the panels is the perfect incubator for their eggs and young. It also protects them from larger critters or birds of prey.
This is where critter guards come in. Also known as pigeon guards, squirrel guards or bird barriers, critter guards are a small investment that brings big rewards. By installing critter guards around the exterior of your solar panels, you can protect your solar investment and ensure their efficiency and longevity.
One of the primary reasons behind solar critter guard installation is to protect your solar panels from damage caused by critters living under your panels. Here are some examples of potentially serious issues:
Chewed Wires: Animals like squirrels and pigeons are notorious for chewing on electrical wiring, which can cause short circuits, reduce the efficiency of your panels, or even lead to fire hazards. These critters have caused many solar related fires across the country.
Nesting Debris: Birds and other animals often bring nesting materials under the panels. These materials themselves are a significant fire hazard, but can also block ventilation, cause overheating and damage the panel components.
Physical Damage: Larger animals, like raccoons, can cause physical damage by trying to access the space beneath the panels. This can result in dislodged panels or broken components.
Installing critter guards acts as a barrier, preventing animals from accessing the underside of your solar panels and protecting them from these potential dangers.
In addition to keeping animals out from underneath your solar panels, critter guards also block debris and feces from building up under your panels. Over time, debris and feces can:
Cause Roof Damage: Pigeon feces is acidic and will create stains, including burning holes through your roof shingles, ultimately decreasing the lifespan of your roof. Insurance companies today are forcing solar panel homeowners in many states to perform feces cleanup services and install critter guards or risk cancellation of their policies.
Cause Moisture Build-up: Debris can trap moisture, leading to rust, corrosion, and mold growth on your solar panels and roof.
Attract More Pests: Accumulated debris can attract more pests, worsening the potential for damage and reducing the lifespan of your panels.
Solar panels are a long-term investment, and you want them to last as long as possible. Critter guards ensure that debris is kept at bay, contributing to the longevity of your solar panel system by preventing issues that can lead to costly repairs or replacements. By keeping animals and debris out, critter guards help maintain the integrity of your panels and prevent damage that could shorten their lifespan.
Solar panels can impact the overall aesthetic appeal of your house as a noticeable element on your roof. Critter guards shield your solar panels from ugly nests and feces accumulation, keeping them clean and aesthetically pleasing. A well-maintained solar panel system improves your home’s curb appeal.
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure your solar panels operate efficiently. However, you may need more frequent inspections and repairs without critter guards due to animal damage and debris accumulation. By installing critter guards, you can reduce the frequency and cost of maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run.
Installing critter guard involves securing protective mesh around the perimeter of your solar panel system. The mesh is designed to be durable, weather-resistant, and effective at keeping out small animals and debris. It is important to use material that allows air to flow through the underside of your panels, as that airflow keeps your panels cool and operating at a higher efficiency level. It is also important to use higher grade materials than what you can buy on Amazon or at the hardware store. Pigeons and squirrels can grow to be pretty large and using lightweight materials may not prevent those critters from pulling that guard material away from the panels and getting back underneath.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure the guards are properly fitted without damaging your panels. If possible, find a reputable company that offers a warranty that extends through the life of your panels.
In summary, critter guards are a simple, yet highly effective way to protect your solar panels from animal damage, debris accumulation, and other potential hazards. By installing critter guards, you can enhance your solar panel system’s efficiency, longevity, and aesthetic appeal while reducing maintenance costs.
Ready to protect your solar investment today with Solar Critter Guard Installation? Contact us at (801) 210-1387 or visit us at https://washmesoler.thebikebear.com/. We are the experts in critter guard installation and offer a lifetime warranty for our customers.
