Best DIY or Store-Bought Solar Panel Critter Guard Options?

[rustycloe]

Hi everyone,

I installed a rooftop solar array last spring, and over the past few weeks I’ve noticed birds nesting underneath the panels, and I suspect squirrels are chewing on the wiring too. I’m now looking into critter guards to keep them out.

For those who’ve installed one, which type worked best: wire mesh, plastic skirting, or spikes? Did you go with a professional installation or do it yourself? I’m also curious about cost and whether any option affected airflow or panel warranty.

Any product recommendations or lessons learned would be really appreciated

[rustycloe]

Hi everyone,

I installed a rooftop solar array last spring, and over the past few weeks I’ve noticed birds nesting underneath the panels, and I suspect squirrels are chewing on the wiring too. I’m now looking into critter guards to keep them out.

For those who’ve installed one, which type worked best: wire mesh, plastic skirting, or spikes? I’ve been looking at Spiffy Solar products, but I’d love to hear real experiences first. Did you go with a professional installation or do it yourself? I’m also curious about cost and whether any option affected airflow or panel warranty.

Any product recommendations or lessons learned would be really appreciated

thanks in advance for any help

[bcroe]

It may not take so much to stop birds, critters like squirrels and raccoons will try to chew thru anything
less than substantial metal. Best to trim anything overhanging the roof so they can not get up there.
I use 6061 aluminum and 18-8 stainless bolts for weatherproof construction. Best answer is a ground
mount. Bruce Roe 18ArrayR.jpg

[chandrapalmehula]

I'd go with galvanised or stainless wire mesh, about 1 inch openings, fixed along the lower edge of the array with clips rather than screws into the frame. Plastic skirting tends to get chewed through by squirrels within a season, and spikes only really work on birds. Leave a small gap or use mesh so air can still move under the panels, otherwise things run hotter. Clips that grip the frame edge generally don't affect the panel warranty, but drilling into the frame might, so check your panel manufacturer's installation manual first. As Bruce said, trimming back overhanging branches helps a lot. DIY is quite doable if you're comfortable on a roof, otherwise it's usually a short, cheap job for a roofer. Also check the wiring for chew damage before closing everything up.