Critter Guards Keep Our Squirrels and Birds

While you might not have considered the possibility of wild animals damaging your solar system, that is actually something you should keep in mind. Both birds and squirrels could potentially build a nest inside of your system and cause damage to your solar system. But with a critter guard, you won’t have to worry about that. Keep reading to learn the specific ways a critter guard can protect you from wild animal intruders and why it’s important to keep animals from building nests inside of your solar energy system.

Why protecting your system against wildlife is important.

Again, you might not have thought too much about it, but wild animals can actually cause some serious damage to your system if they manage to get in and build a nest. Birds and squirrels are the most likely animals to cause damage to your system. Squirrels love the way wiring feels on their teeth, much in the same way cats love to scratch furniture, and they will build nests under your system and then vigorously chomp away at the wiring until your efficiency decreases or your system stops working entirely. If not caught early, this could mean paying out the nose for expensive repairs. Birds will also create nests, and when they do this, a buildup of dirt and feces will cause a huge decrease in efficiency.

Though not an animal, another environmental thing to watch out for is twigs and leaves, which can also build up under your panel and become a serious fire hazard. A critter guard will also help to keep these out.

What is a critter guard?

Critter guards are large strips of metal that have the pattern of chicken wire, allowing the ventilation to still flow through, but preventing a squirrel, bird, or pile up of leaves to get through. They are attached along the sides of your panels so that no empty areas are left open.

Installing a critter guard.

Often times, a solar installer will offer you a critter guard, especially if you have an elevated solar panel system that is easy for animals to get under. Make sure to ask your solar installer if you’re able to add them to your roof. However, if you already have your solar system installed, don’t worry, because you can still add them to your system. Simply look up the kind you want online and then consult with your solar installer to add them to your system. Make sure it’s the same solar installer you originally had so you don’t risk voiding your warranty.

You should not attempt to install critter guards to your system yourself, however. Getting on your roof is always dangerous, and you could also end up hurting your solar system if you aren’t a professional solar installer. Just accidentally pulling a wire can totally damage your system, plus void your warranty. No matter what, it’s always best to pay a little extra to have a professional installer do the work for you. After all, would you rather pay the installation cost or end up paying a hospital bill or have a voided warranty and a broken solar system?

Is a critter guard right for you?

Regardless of where you live and what your panels are like, critter guards are the right choice for pretty much everyone. No matter where you live, you are prone to wild animals, especially birds. It’s a good idea to get a critter guard installed no matter what.

Want to learn more about how to design your perfect solar system? Check out the HahaSmart blog!

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