Your solar panels are designed to last for decades, but small animals can cut that short if you’re not careful. One of the biggest threats? Squirrels. They may look harmless on the fence line, but once they find their way under your solar panels, the damage starts.
Let’s talk about what these animals can do, and more importantly, how to stop them before the damage adds up.
Do Squirrels Damage Solar Panels?
Squirrels are notorious chewers. They often climb rooftops and slip under panels looking for shelter. Once there, they chew through wires, pull at insulation, and build nests. That kind of damage isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. Exposed wires can cause system failure or, in worst cases, become a fire hazard.
We’ve seen everything from gnawed cables to full nests packed under solar arrays. If you spot squirrels running across your roof regularly, it’s only a matter of time.
How Do I Protect My Solar Panels from Squirrels?
A critter guard is a strong mesh barrier that runs along the outer edge of your solar panels. It creates a fence between your panels and curious animals. Squirrels, birds, raccoons, they simply can’t get through.
If you’re wondering how these guards actually work, check out our post on How Do Critter Guards Protect Your Solar Panels? for a closer look at their design and effectiveness.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Install a professional critter guard around all edges of your solar array.
- Avoid DIY options that involve drilling into your panels or roof (they could void your warranty).
- Inspect your system regularly if you’re in an area with high wildlife activity.
- Call for a free inspection if you see any signs of damage, droppings, or nests.
Can Animals Damage Solar Panels?
- Birds, which nest under panels and leave corrosive droppings
- Raccoons, which are strong enough to shift or lift panel edges
- Rodents, which sneak in and chew everything from wires to mounting hardware
Animal damage affects more than just your hardware. It lowers system efficiency, increases your electric bill, and can lead to costly repairs that aren’t always covered by your warranty.
Want to understand the long-term perks of staying ahead of this kind of damage? Our blog on What Are the Benefits of Installing Critter Guards on Solar Panels? highlights how these guards help preserve performance and peace of mind.
Conclusion
At Critter Solar Guards, we specialize in protecting solar systems from animal damage using strong, non-invasive guards that work year-round. If you’re seeing signs of critter activity or just want to be proactive, let’s take a look together.
Book your free inspection today and protect your investment before the damage begins.
