Guide To Know The Best Squirrel Barriers For Your Solar Panels

By Author: Wash Me Solar
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Animals can be adorable to watch. However, they can be pests when they cause havoc with your solar panels. These pests are also famous for a highly peculiar method of making their nests under the panels of solar power systems: such systems cannot be used and repaired without incurring costs, and, in the case of damage, they can't be repaired without heavy cash flow. This problem brings about the mouthful concerning how homeowners would secure their own investments. Enter the squirrel barriers for solar panels. Quite a simple option to keep away these furry invaders.

Understanding the Risks
But before talking about solutions, one must first understand the types of risks squirrels pose to solar panels. They will cause damage to your solar panels if they remove them or crawl under them. This will result in significant repair costs and the loss of functionality. Thus, acquiring fine-quality squirrel barriers becomes a huge relief for the money you invest in mitigating all those conditions.

Types of Squirrel Barriers

So, you are here interested in finding barriers to put over your solar panels. Below are ...
... the different types of barriers among the most popularly known:

1. Mesh Netting: A common and most effective solution is to install mesh netting surrounding the base of solar panels and outside to make it impossible for squirrels to enter. Be sure to choose those specifically designed for outdoor uses and those whose performance won't degrade over exposure to sunlight or in extreme weather conditions. Preferably select netting with fine holes that would never allow even the smallest-sized squirrel to sneak in.

2. Wire Fencing: Another very worthy opponent is wire fencing painted in some part of the area beneath your solar panels. This really needs an extensive installation. However, it offers great security because it is very sturdy. Choose small enough mesh in this fencing so that even the tiniest squirrel cannot get in.

3. Professional Pest Control Solutions: Others might prefer to have this service performed by experts, but consulting experts will provide realistic solutions. These solutions are more likely to be effective than those that are not. Most pest control companies offer squirrel-proofing, which may include the service of constructing customized barriers based on your setup.

Material Matters

Material quality is vital to the successful application of squirrel barriers to solar panels. They keep out squirrels for as long as possible, with different metals and plastics being used. Choose metals that are resistant to rust or plastics that are durable and UV-stabilized for weather resistance. Quality will not only be protection, but also aesthetic qualities over time.

Installation Tips

The key to ensuring that your squirrel barrier will work properly is good installation. Here are some tips to aid you in your installation:

1. Height: Barriers should be placed high enough to avoid squirrel jumps onto your solar panels. A minimum of one foot above the ground should be enough.

2. Secure Fixings: Use heavy-duty fixings to secure your barriers into position. Squirrels will find any weak point, so ensure everything is secured tight.

3. Maintenance Checks: After setting up your squirrel barriers for solar panels, always do maintenance checks to confirm that they are intact. Watch out for wear and tear and possible breaches that may require tightening or fixing.

Strengthen Your Defense

Installing barriers is one useful way to go about this. Utilizing some preventive measures alongside the barriers would definitely strengthen your defense. Here are some prevention ideas:

1. Repellents: Use commercial repellents that give off smells or tastes squirrels find off-putting. Homemade repellents using peppermint oil or cayenne pepper can also be effective.

2. Deterrents: Installing motion-activated devices or sonic deterrents-intended to startle squirrels and keep them off your solar panels-will also help.

3. Natural Predators: Some homeowners have noticed a significant reduction in squirrel visits when natural deterrents, such as cats or birds of prey, are kept nearby.

Legal and Neighborhood Considerations

In deciding which squirrel barriers to choose, aware of local wildlife laws and neighborhood guidelines. Some regions have regulations regarding wildlife disturbance. Knowledge of these laws can help protect you from future liabilities. So it is always best to check with local authorities before erecting any barriers or deterrents.

Neighborhood dynamics play a role in addressing issues. If multiple houses in a neighborhood complain about the same squirrel problem, community-level pest control discussions might be appropriate. Group efforts may yield better resolutions.

Selecting the Correct Contractor

If you are going to hire them, make sure they provide highly reputable work installing squirrel barriers for solar panels. They should have reviews in their favor and have previously proved their capability in wildlife management. Be sure to ask them for warranties and guarantees for their work.

Monitoring Your Investment

Once the barriers have been installed and prevention measures taken, monitoring your investment is critical. The maintenance of solar panels together with barriers will help keep their effectiveness. Check for any drop in the performance of your solar energy system, which might be evidence that the squirrels somehow managed to get through.