How to Protect Solar Panels from Squirrels squirrel guards for solar panels Squirrels are adorable animals to many people, but there are times when these cute animals can become a nuisance, and nesting under solar panels is one example. Unlike birds, squirrels are known to chew on things like wiring, which can become bad news when it comes to the power and efficiency generated from the solar panels. To protect solar panels from squirrel attacks, you need to install wire mesh at the sides of the panels. This will prevent the small animals stay away from chewing on the wire mesh and they will refrain from building a nest under the solar panels. Let’s find out more about squirrel guards. Why Do Squirrels Nest Under Solar Panels? Squirrels are attracted to solar panels for two reasons: an opportunity for gnawing and shelter. A roof is a good shelter for these rodents since they spend most of their lives navigating structures, high terrains, and climbing trees. The underside of the solar panel offers a roof-like structure so the rodents can stay dry from the rain and sun. It also protects them from the cold wind. The area also provides safety from predators. Besides, it’s not well-understood, that a squirrel feels natural attraction toward strings and wires. As they are from rodent families squirrels have this natural tendency of chewing on things like a strong wire. Like rats, they also love gnawing and chewing things they aren’t supposed to. This can become a nightmare for homeowners with solar panels on their roofs. Since the wires are mostly found under the panels, the entire system depends on its efficiency. If the cables are destroyed by the squirrels, the entire panel needs to be rewired and thoroughly repaired, and there’s no guarantee that the solar panel company will cover for this destruction. This is why it’s crucial to add squirrel guards for solar panels after installing the panels on the roof. It will give protection from the rodents and you won’t have to repair the wires. The dangers of squirrels nesting under solar panels: Squirrels can cause massive damage to any structures in which they decide to make their nests mainly through gnawing and chewing. If you don’t have squirrel guards for solar panels set on your roof, the rodents can get access to the roof gaps they can cause fire hazards by chewing on the electric cables including the wiring that is placed under the panels where they choose to build their nest. In addition, a squirrel’s nest is larger than that of birds, and the dry twigs, straws, and vegetation that are used in the nests can catch fire from the unrelenting and bright sunlight. The continuous chewing and gnawing on the wires can also create huge malfunction that can create sparks that can catch the next on fire and possibly can burn down the home in the same process. Find the best squirrel guards for solar panels and install them on your roof to get rid of the nuisance of rodents like birds and squirrels.