SOLAR PANEL CRITTER GUARD INSTALLATION IN EDMONTON, CALGARY
The gap under rooftop solar panels is prime real estate for pigeons, starlings, and squirrels. Once they move in, the damage adds up fast — chewed wiring, blocked eavestroughs, shingle displacement, and corrosive droppings that degrade your panels over time. Some manufacturers will void your warranty if animal damage is found. We install heavy-gauge wire mesh around the perimeter of your solar array, sealing out wildlife without touching the panels themselves. New system or existing installation, we handle it. Call us before you have a problem — not after.
FAQ About Solar Panel Critter Guard Installation
Q: What is a solar panel critter guard?
A: A wire mesh barrier fastened around the edges of your rooftop solar array. It closes the gap between the panels and the roof so birds and rodents can’t get underneath to nest.
Q: Why do birds and rodents target solar panels?
A: The space underneath is warm, sheltered, and elevated — exactly what pigeons, squirrels, and starlings look for. In Edmonton and Calgary, nesting activity picks up in early spring and again in fall as animals seek warmth heading into winter.
Q: What damage can nesting animals actually cause?
A: Rodents chew wiring and cables, which causes power drops or full outages. Birds displace shingles and pack eavestroughs with nesting debris. Pigeon droppings are acidic and will deteriorate panel surfaces over time. Some of this damage isn’t covered under manufacturer warranties once animal activity is confirmed.
Q: My panels were just installed — do I still need this?
A: Yes. It’s far cheaper to install the guard upfront than to deal with a nest removal and wiring repair later. Animals scout nesting spots fast, especially in spring.
Q: Can you add a critter guard to an existing solar system?
A: Yes. We retrofit systems regardless of who did the original installation. Most jobs are done in a few hours with no downtime to your system.
Q: Will the mesh affect my panel output?
A: No. The mesh goes around the frame perimeter, not over the panel face. There’s no impact on sunlight or energy production.
Q: What are the signs animals are already under my panels?
A: Droppings on or below the panels, nesting material visible at the edges, scratching or chirping from the roofline, or an unexplained drop in your system’s output. If you’re seeing any of these, call us — we’ll inspect and clear the nest before installing the guard.
Q: Do you harm the animals during removal?
A: No. Critter guard installation is exclusion-based — we block access points. If there’s an active nest, we remove it first before sealing the perimeter.