How To Install Solar Panel Critter Guards | 2 Best Options

For the warranty to cover critter damage, I had to get the guards installed by my installer. I do have a lot of chipmunks and squirrels. I want to say it was $1200 for 29 panels. I now have to go look closely at which type they installed.

cool video those critter guards are awesome i've never seen those! could solve my squirrel problem. 😁

So, if you want to keep fire embers from getting underneath the panels, then you want to use metal cloth that is 1/16" of an inch between wires. That will also keep out critters.

Debris will still accumulate on the top side of the shields and if left unchecked would decompose to the point that it would go thru the mesh and end up again beneath the panels. Granted that's the same for either system. The point is that both systems 'reduce' the immediate occurrence of debris getting underneath the panels but they do not prevent debris from accumulating. Large flashing oriented at an angle and covering the area above each panel would redirect debris to the sides of the panels. More investment needed to bring it closer to maintenance-free.

I feel like squirrels can push in the bottom and get in. Are they really strong enough?

I’m not sure if this is the intended use, but for the second kind of critter guard, my installer actually left the spikes sticking out to deter birds from building nests immediately adjacent to the panels. Especially on the upper side of a panel, because I have two long rows and one short row of panels on my roof, so there’s an inside corner that looks like it would be very attractive to critters.

At the end of the video I noticed that your panels on the detached garage are pretty dirty. Are you going to do a video about cleaning the panels? My panels have been in place for about a year now and I have never cleaned them. Looking to understand the benefits (production increases), the best and/or safest way to clean them, and the best products to use.

Another reason to vertical or ground mount your panels. Not sure how easily and how much it is to clean your rooftop solar panels once or twice a year. but i know for sure someone will not be going onto your roof for under $200.

Why do you show the federal tax credit as a discount of the solar system? The tax credit is not applied at purchase

I just used hardware cloth and zip ties.

I just used hardware cloth and zip ties