How to save solar panels from monkeys

**J.P.M.** · 02-25-2015, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by fllniks

Hello,

I am helping a friend who lives in area where monkeys often climb to the roof. The solar panel that he will use will have tempered glass.
If he installs a solar solution, monkeys are likely to climb on solar panels.
1. Can monkeys damage the solar panel?
2. If so, how much efficiency loss will be there if he puts a protective transparent glass or transparent plastic sheet over the solar panels?
3. Any dangers in putting protective glass or plastic sheet on solar panel?

If anyone has faced similar problem, please do provide on the solution that used to save from monkeys or similar other animals.

Thanks in advance!

Those are new installers in training. The labor market is tightening up.

Seriously, protective sheet of some sort may keep the panels cleaner, but I'd wonder how robust such material would need to be to resist claw penetrations.

Also, such coverings will reduce the amount of sun getting to the panels, thus reducing production. Such coverings will probably also act as an insulating layer, increasing array temp. and thus decreasing efficiency and so reduce production further still.

How about chicken wire or some type of metal mesh ? The question there might be one of partial shading however.

**Willy T** · 02-25-2015, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by fllniks

Hello,

I am helping a friend who lives in area where monkeys often climb to the roof. The solar panel that he will use will have tempered glass.
If he installs a solar solution, monkeys are likely to climb on solar panels.
1. Can monkeys damage the solar panel?
2. If so, how much efficiency loss will be there if he puts a protective transparent glass or transparent plastic sheet over the solar panels?
3. Any dangers in putting protective glass or plastic sheet on solar panel?

If anyone has faced similar problem, please do provide on the solution that used to save from monkeys or similar other animals.

Thanks in advance!

I'd find decoy of something they consider a predator, like a rubber snake or a hawk to place by the panel, think rubber cobra. The problem is once they get use to it, it might not work.

How about some kind of electric fencing ?

I don't know how big the monkeys are, but the panels are pretty strong, they should 10 - 15 lbs. I'd think wouldn't be a problem.

**Jason** · 02-25-2015, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by fllniks

Hello,

I am helping a friend who lives in area where monkeys often climb to the roof. The solar panel that he will use will have tempered glass.
If he installs a solar solution, monkeys are likely to climb on solar panels.
1. Can monkeys damage the solar panel?
2. If so, how much efficiency loss will be there if he puts a protective transparent glass or transparent plastic sheet over the solar panels?
3. Any dangers in putting protective glass or plastic sheet on solar panel?

If anyone has faced similar problem, please do provide on the solution that used to save from monkeys or similar other animals.

Thanks in advance!

Hi fllniks and welcome to the neighborhood, if your using modern 250watt or bigger panels I wouldnt be worried about the monkeys walking on the panels, I have seen installers walk on installed panels, they are very strong. I would be concerned about them pulling on the wiring, so you can get squirrel guards in the USA, dont know about where you are, I would just make my own out of chicken wire, cheers and good luck with it

**Mike90250** · 02-25-2015, 01:03 PM

Frontside is pretty tough, just glass, not much for them to cling to, but the back will be quite vulnerable.

Babies getting back behind the panels can easily tear out the wires, backsheet, J-boxes. front side is plain hot glass, and not a pleasant spot to be on a hot day. Baked on monkey poop may be worse than bird poop !

**fllniks** · 02-25-2015, 01:03 PM

Thanks all for quick replies. I am based in Mumbai, India and this installation is going to happen in North India where in many small towns, monkey problem is fairly common.
Panels that will be used are indeed 250W panels, so looks like it may be ok?
Wiring is going to be enclosed in a pipe that will not be easy to chew by monkeys.

**fllniks** · 02-25-2015, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by Mike90250

Frontside is pretty tough, just glass, not much for them to cling to, but the back will be quite vulnerable.

Babies getting back behind the panels can easily tear out the wires, backsheet, J-boxes. front side is plain hot glass, and not a pleasant spot to be on a hot day. Baked on monkey poop may be worse than bird poop !

Aha, so we need protective covering on the back side more than the front side. Perhaps mounting can be made in such a way that it really hides most of the back side. Any other suggestions?

**FunGas** · 02-25-2015, 02:54 PM

I think the cattle fence is the best defense, they'll learn to stay away quickly enough...

**bcroe** · 02-27-2015, 01:03 AM

Originally posted by FunGas

I think the cattle fence is the best defense, they'll learn to stay away quickly enough...

I'll second that. Just surround the panels, maybe up & down rows with a good electric fence,
they'll learn fast. Bruce Roe

**Snakefoot** · 03-03-2015, 01:22 AM

AR-15 should work

How to save solar panels from monkeys

How to save solar panels from monkeys

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