With more and more homes turning to solar panels on their roofs, more homeowners are dealing with animal interference. Wild animals can reduce the efficiency of your panels. Bird nests, wire damage, and more can lead to costly repairs. Below, we will discuss how animals can damage panels, and how to protect them.
Bird Nests On or Under Solar Panels
Birds will often nest on a high perch that seems well protected. For some birds, this can mean nesting on top of a solar panel. Some birds may build their dwellings under a panel, which provides them with some protection from the elements. Both of these can reduce the amount of power a solar panel can produce. Unfortunately, you generally shouldn’t remove a bird’s nest yourself. Depending on the species, or its mating season, it may be illegal to do so. Contact a humane wildlife removal service professional to inspect the nest and remove the birds if possible.
Motorized Solar Panels
Some panels are motorized to follow the sun through the day. For these panels, animals may pose a unique threat. Some animals may try to den under a panel, and could get trapped or hurt as they move. Alternatively, some pests may damage the motors and limit their movement capabilities.
Chewed and Frayed Wiring
While most solar panels house their wires under weather-proof coverings, some pests may break through these covers and chew on cables. Rodents such as rats and squirrels are particularly prone to this.
Reducing Roof Access
Limiting access to your roof for pest animals can help limit their ability to damage your panels. Trimming tree branches away from your home can reduce animal access, while also improving the efficiency of your panels. Shade and debris from trees can make them less effective.
Snow and Animal Guards
Guards under and around your solar panels can limit animal access to the panels, while also reducing the effect of snow on them. Snow buildup on panels can reduce their input, and can buildup. This often leads to dangerous avalanches off of your roof. But a solar panel guard can reduce this. NYNJ Wildlife Removal offers snow guards for our clients solar panels to help them keep efficient all winter long, while reducing the impact of wild animals and snowfall on their roof. For more information, visit our snow guard page.