Compared to many of the problems that rooftop solar owners face including utility companies trying to take away net metering or applying exorbitant fixed charges the prospect of squirrels and other critters nesting under your solar array might seem a minor concern.
Nests under solar panels.
Pigeons often use rooftops gutters roof overhangs and even window trims to build nests.
Unfortunately this is easier said than done.
Texas parks and wildlife.
While a passing bird or two won t damage your photovoltaic pv system in the long run pigeons nesting under solar panels can and will.
Birds also can land on top of the panels.
A shade greener nesting pigeons under solar panels are causing serious problems.
Obviously no mention of the problems from the seller.
Gutters also become blocked and damaged causing in house water leaks.
But it can t be denied that the rodents can do considerable damage with their teeth to the wiring that connects solar panels.
Also the dirt and debris of a nest reduces airflow underneath the panels which can cause them to heat up.
While a passing bird or two won t damage your pv system in the long run pigeons nesting under solar panels can and will.
While birds aren t as destructive to wiring as squirrels are they can still make a mess underneath your panels.
Squirrels will sometimes nest under rooftop panels and can chew through exposed or hanging wires.
Birds love the shelter provided underneath solar panels and can deposit significant droppings and nesting materials.
Birds bird faeces and their nests also attract other pests such as cockroaches and rodents.
Nesting materials and bird faeces accumulating under the solar panels blocks the overall free flow of water to be able to run down into your gutters.
They can cut power lines from solar panels if they chew the right wire leading to expensive repairs and power loss.
Rodents like squirrels also commonly travel under the panels and chew wiring.
So to solve the problem of squirrels under the solar panels you basically have to block off the gap.
Squirrels love to nest in human dwellings wherever there is shelter and the gap underneath solar panels is an attractive area.
This results in disruptions and increased noises as well as a reduced performance of your solar power system.
You make a big investment when you install solar panels and you should protect that investment.
For the same reason that squirrels enjoy nesting under solar arrays birds often choose to build their homes there too.
Unfortunately they tend to build their nests and raise young pigeons on the surfaces of man made structures especially solar panels.
Because of this it s essential to keep birds out of your home solar system housing and ensure they take their nests elsewhere.