Would a Critter Guard be Helpful for Your Solar Panels?

Living in the Valley of the Sun, homeowners are used to all sorts of animals walking around neighborhoods, in backyards, front yards, and on the roof. Hopefully, not inside your home! One potential threat to your solar panels can be the various critters that live in the area surrounding your house. Critters such as birds, chipmunks, roof rats, and squirrels can damage panels and associated hardware resulting in unwanted repairs and solar system downtime. Another threat is storm debris which can lead to panel damage. One of the best solutions for these problems is to install critter guards. Let’s take a look at why you may need solar panel critter guards.

Critter Guards

When solar panels are installed on your roof, they’re exposed to the elements including hail, lightning strikes, fallen tree branches and wind-blown debris, and nearby wildlife. Pesky squirrels can chew on hanging and exposed wires, sometimes even nesting under rooftop solar panels. If you have fruit trees, roof rats can chew quickly through wires and even invade your attic if an opening is discovered. Our area has a plethora of pigeons and doves which can nest on and under solar panels resulting in excessive buildup of dirt, debris, and bird droppings that can lower panel efficiency levels extensively.

Another source of potential panel damage is debris from storms. Tree branches, twigs, and leaves can build up under panels, possibly causing a fire hazard near the electrical wires providing power from your solar panels to your house.
The best way to protect against damage from critters and environmental debris is to have your local solar experts install critter guards.

What are critter guards? They are simply strips of metal screening similar to high-quality chicken wire that can be attached along the sides of rooftop or ground level solar panels.

Home solar panels are installed with a gap between the panels and the rooftop for ventilation. This is where critter guards come into play when installed. They can block birds, squirrels, roof rats, and other critters from getting underneath and between your panels. Critter guards also block twigs and other debris preventing possible fire hazards.

Cool Blew Solar Knows Critter Guards

Cool Blew Solar is your go-to solar solutions expert. We take care and pride in installing your critter guards correctly without compromising the integrity of your roof and solar panels. We can recommend the best critter guards and solar panels for your home according to your requirements. Call Cool Blew Solar’s experts today at 623-234-2836 to schedule your free estimate. We’re your locally owned solar panel installers in the Valley of the Sun. Celebrate the power of the sun.

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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