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. The easiest and most common solution to solar's animal problem is to install "critter guards," a physical barrier between your panels and your local wildlife.

Here's what you should know about them.

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 damage rooftop solar installations. Squirrels sometimes nest under rooftop panels and chew through exposed or hanging wires. If they chew the right wire, they can cut power lines from solar panels, 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 damage your panels. 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 suggest critter guards with your new rooftop panel setup, especially if you live near the woods. But even in more urban areas, critter guards can be worth it (squirrels and leaves are everywhere!).

If you want critter guards installed with your panels, confirm with your solar installer that they can do so. Companies like Snapnrack and SolaTrim manufacture different styles of critter guards, which are sold to solar installers and resellers nationwide.

Many homeowners don't realize critters will be a problem until they already have panels on their roofs.

If you decide to install guards post-installation, it's easiest to reach out to your original installer. If they're no longer in business for whatever reason, reach out to other local installers to see if one can install them for you. We at EnergySage are always happy to help put you in touch with a reputable installer.

Attempting to install critter guards yourself can be physically dangerous and dangerous to your current system. Rooftop solar setups are 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.