🐦 Critter Control: Simple Solutions to Keep Pests Away from Your Array

The space underneath solar panels provides an ideal, protected nesting spot for pigeons, squirrels, and other small animals, which can damage wiring and cause fires.

1. The Damage Caused by Pests

Pest activity leads to costly repairs and maintenance issues.

• ✅ **Chewed Wires:** Squirrels and rats often chew through the DC wiring insulation, leading to dangerous short circuits or complete system failures.
• ✅ **Nesting Material:** Accumulated bird nesting material and debris can block airflow, causing the panels to overheat and lose efficiency.
• **Mess:** Pigeons in particular leave droppings that dirty the panels, creating permanent shading and reducing output.

2. The Solution: Solar Critter Guard

Critter Guard is the most effective and widely used solution.

• **Material:** A durable, black PVC-coated metal mesh (or stainless steel mesh) that wraps around the entire perimeter of the solar array.
• **Installation:** The mesh is secured to the panel frames using specialized clips, creating a physical barrier that prevents pests from climbing underneath.

A Warranty Requirement

Damage to the system components (wires, junction boxes, optimizers) caused by pests is typically **not covered** by manufacturer warranties. A critter guard is a small upfront investment that protects your long-term warranty and prevents expensive repairs. 💡