What You Should Know About Solar Panel Critter Guards

Among the most wonderful things about living in the Sonoran Desert are the wide variety of unique mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and rodents. With over 350 bird species, over 100 reptile species, 20 mammal species, and 10 species of chipmunks and squirrels, nature abounds—even on our properties. But birds, squirrels, and raccoons are just a few of the critters that have the potential of causing damage to your home solar panels. Yes, both roof and ground solar panel installations may be prone to uninvited furry and feathered guests!

What Are Critter Guards and Why are They Important?

Rooftop panels are installed with a three to six-inch gap, providing an ideal breeding ground for critters. Birds can construct nests under the panels, and once birds roost there they can be difficult to remove. Bird droppings also may corrode electrical components over time. As well, raccoons and squirrels can chew through wire, causing a solar panel system failure.

Solar critter guards serve as a physical barrier to block the gap between the panels and your roof while still allowing proper ventilation to keep the solar panels operating without any alterations. In other words, they are a safe and effective deterrent for pigeons, rodents, and other critters.

As well, solar panel critter guards wrapped around the solar arrays will prevent leaves from getting trapped under the panels. Dry vegetation beneath the panels can be a fire hazard. And, trapped moisture from leaves under your solar panels after a monsoon downpour or winter storm can lead to weak spots developing on your roof. Depending on the type of roof material, roof rot can happen from leaf buildup.

Made from long strips of light metal material, like chicken wire, critter guards are fastened between the roof and panels or installed around ground mounted panel systems. solar panel critter guards are aesthetically pleasing and when professionally installed on your roof, they are virtually impossible to see from the ground.

It’s important to note that homeowners’ insurance doesn’t usually cover damage caused by pests to your solar panels. Critter guards professionally installed will not void your solar panel warranty. They also are quick and easy to install and offer lasting protection.

Want to learn more about how you can have the professionals at Cool Blew Solar install solar panel critter guards? Call us today at 623-234-2836.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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