If you own solar arrays, you know how important it is to keep them in good condition. Not only do they provide you with a reliable source of clean energy, but they also represent a significant investment. Unfortunately, critters and birds can cause a lot of damage to your solar panels, especially during the winter months when they are looking for warm places to nest.
The good news is that there are several solutions available to help you keep critters and birds away from your solar panels. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to protect your solar panels with solar panel critter guards and bird netting.
Why Critters and Birds are a Threat to Solar Arrays?
Critters such as squirrels, raccoons, and rodents can cause significant damage to solar arrays. They may chew through the wiring, insulation, and panels themselves. These critters can also create nests around the panels, which can lead to more damage and cause debris to accumulate on the panels, reducing their efficiency.
Similarly, birds such as pigeons and seagulls are also attracted to solar panels. They create nests and leave their droppings on the panels, which can lead to corrosion and damage. Bird droppings can also create a slippery surface on the panels, reducing their efficiency.
The good news is that there are several ways to keep critters and birds away from your solar panels. One of the most effective methods is using solar panel critter guards and bird netting.
Critter Guards for Solar Arrays
Solar panel critter guards are designed to keep critters away from your solar panels. They are made from strong, durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Critter guards are installed around the perimeter of your solar panels, creating a barrier that prevents critters from climbing onto the panels.
There are several types of solar panel critter guards available, including:
- Mesh guards: These are made from a strong mesh material that prevents critters from climbing onto the panels.
- PVC guards: These are made from a strong PVC material that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Steel guards: These are made from a strong steel material that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Regardless of the type of critter guard you choose, it is important to make sure that it is properly installed. A poorly installed critter guard can provide a false sense of security and may not be effective at keeping critters away from your solar panels.
Bird Netting
Bird netting is another effective solution for keeping birds away from your solar arrays. It is made from a strong, durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It is installed around the perimeter of your solar panels, creating a barrier that prevents birds from landing on the panels.
Bird netting is available in several different sizes, so it is important to choose the right size for your solar panels. If the netting is too small, birds may still be able to land on the panels. If the netting is too large, it may not be effective at keeping birds away from your solar panels.
Installing bird netting can be more difficult than installing critter guards, especially if you have a large solar panel array. It is important to make sure that the netting is properly installed and secured, as birds may be able to find their way through gaps in the netting.
Other Tips for Keeping Critters and Birds Away from Your Solar Arrays
In addition to using critter guards and bird netting, there are several other things you can do to keep critters and birds away from your solar panels:
- Trim trees and bushes: Critters and birds may use trees and bushes to climb onto your roof and access your solar panels. By keeping trees and bushes trimmed , you can reduce the likelihood of critters and birds accessing your solar panels.
- Clean your solar panels regularly: Regular cleaning of your solar panels can help remove debris and bird droppings, which can reduce the risk of damage and corrosion.
- Install ultrasonic deterrents: Ultrasonic deterrents emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to critters and birds, deterring them from coming near your solar panels.
- Use motion-activated lights: Installing motion-activated lights can help scare away critters and birds that may be attracted to your solar panels.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your solar arrays from critters and birds is essential for ensuring their longevity and efficiency. Using solar panel critter guards and bird netting are effective solutions for preventing damage caused by critters and birds. Additionally, trimming trees and bushes, regular cleaning of your solar panels, and installing ultrasonic deterrents and motion-activated lights can further reduce the risk of critters and birds accessing your solar panels.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can protect your solar panels from critters and birds and ensure that they continue to provide you with reliable and clean energy for years to come.
