Are Critter Guards Covered Under Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance?

Solar panels are becoming increasingly common across Massachusetts as homeowners look for ways to reduce energy costs and rely more on renewable energy. But with more rooftop solar installations comes another issue many homeowners do not expect animals nesting under solar panels.

Squirrels, birds, raccoons, and other small animals often crawl into the open space beneath panels to build nests. This can lead to damaged wiring, reduced panel efficiency, and expensive repairs.

Because of this, many homeowners consider installing protective mesh barriers known as critter guards. One of the most common questions that follows is whether homeowners’ insurance will pay for these installations.

The answer depends on how insurance policies treat wildlife damage and preventative upgrades.

Standard homeowners insurance policies in Massachusetts generally cover sudden and accidental damage to a home or its structures. Solar panels are usually considered part of the home’s structure once installed, meaning damage to them may fall under the policy’s dwelling coverage.

However, insurance policies usually make an important distinction between:

Critter guards fall into the second category.

Installing protective barriers to stop animals from accessing solar panels is generally considered a preventative measure, not a repair following damage.

Because of this, most homeowners insurance policies do not pay for the installation of critter guards themselves.

While insurance usually does not cover preventative installations, certain types of wildlife damage may still be covered depending on the policy.

For example, if animals chew through wiring or damage parts of the solar system, some policies may cover repairs if the damage is considered sudden and accidental.

However, coverage varies significantly depending on:

Many policies specifically exclude damage caused by rodents, which means issues caused by squirrels or mice may not qualify for reimbursement.

Because of these exclusions, homeowners often choose to install protection before damage occurs.

For more detail on how these protective systems work, you can read How Do Critter Guards Protect Your Solar Panels?

Wildlife problems around solar panels are common in Massachusetts, particularly in suburban and wooded areas where squirrels and birds are active year-round.

Animals are attracted to the sheltered space beneath panels because it provides warmth and protection from predators.

Once nesting begins, several issues can develop:

Installing a protective mesh barrier prevents animals from entering these spaces in the first place.

If you want to know how to recognize early warning signs, this article explains the most common indicators homeowners notice: Top Signs You Need a Critter Guard for Your Solar Panels.

Insurance providers generally encourage homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent damage to their property.

From an insurer’s perspective, preventative installations like critter guards reduce the likelihood of future claims related to:

Although the installation itself is not typically reimbursed, prevention can help homeowners avoid costly repairs that might not be covered later.

This is one reason many solar installers and maintenance professionals recommend adding protection soon after panels are installed.

The cost of installing protective mesh around solar panels varies depending on several factors, including roof layout, system size, and accessibility.

In Massachusetts, installation costs typically depend on:

If you want a closer look at what homeowners usually pay in the region, this article explains typical pricing factors: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Solar Critter Guard in Massachusetts?

Many homeowners find that the installation cost is far lower than repairing damaged wiring or replacing panels after animals nest beneath them.

No. Most insurance providers do not require them, but they may recommend preventative steps to protect rooftop solar systems from wildlife damage.

It depends on the policy. Some policies may cover certain types of damage, but many exclude damage caused by rodents such as squirrels or mice.

In many Massachusetts policies, rooftop solar panels are considered part of the home structure and may be covered under dwelling coverage. However, coverage details vary between insurers.

Yes. Preventing wildlife from nesting under panels reduces the likelihood of damage that may not be covered under a policy.