Solar Panels Aren’t the Problem—Pests Are

Solar panels are a smart investment. They lower your energy bills, increase your home’s value, and support a cleaner future. But there’s one sneaky risk that most homeowners never think about until it’s too late: pests nesting underneath your panels.

We’re talking squirrels, birds, raccoons, rats—even snakes in some areas.
Yes, seriously.

These critters see the space beneath solar arrays as a warm, dry, protected place to build nests and make themselves at home. And once they’re in? The damage can get dangerous.

What Can Go Wrong?

Pests don’t just hang out quietly. Here’s what they’re doing under there:

  • Chewing on wires (especially rodents)

  • Dragging in flammable nesting materials like leaves and twigs

  • Blocking airflow, which can impact system performance

  • Scratching or pecking at panels and mounting hardware

  • Leaving droppings that can corrode equipment over time

A single spark can turn your eco-friendly energy system into a fire hazard when wires and conductors become exposed.

Who’s at Risk? (Hint: It’s Everyone)

Whether your solar system is brand new or has been up for years, if the area underneath is unprotected, it’s vulnerable.
Pest activity is not exclusive to rural areas; it is also prevalent in urban and suburban homes.

If you live in an area with:

  • Trees or dense foliage

  • Bird activity

  • Rodents or raccoons nearby

  • An unsealed or exposed panel system

…your solar setup could already be at risk without you knowing it.

How to Prevent Damage from Pests

Install a Critter Guard

Think of it as a fence for your panels. Critter guards are mesh barriers that prevent animals from squeezing under and nesting. They’re simple, effective, and don’t impact the performance of your solar system.

Do Seasonal Visual Checks

Look for signs like nesting materials, droppings, bite marks on wiring, or unusual animal activity on your roof.

Schedule a Yearly Solar Inspection

Professional inspections can catch subtle signs of damage and make sure your system stays safe, efficient, and pest-free.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Solar is one of the best upgrades you can make for your home—but it’s not totally “set it and forget it.” Protecting your panels with a critter guard and checking in on them once in a while can prevent costly repairs and even serious safety risks down the line.

Don’t wait until something smells like burning.
Protect your investment—and your roof—before the pests move in.