Solar panels are great for the environment and your wallet. They provide clean energy and long-term savings, but what’s happening underneath them? Unfortunately, solar panels provide an attractive shelter for all sorts of wildlife.
We have a solution for that! Our professional pest exclusion for solar panels service protects your investment while keeping unwanted critters at bay.
Birds, rodents, squirrels, and other pests have all been known to nest under solar panels. They make a huge mess, and they can cause significant damage to the panels, the wiring, and your roof.
Do you have pests nesting under your solar panels? Do you even know if you have them? Would you like to protect your investment? If so, give us a call, and we’ll send out one of our certified technicians to inspect your solar panels and offer a customized solution.
What’s Involved? (Our Exclusion Process)
- Thorough Inspection: Our certified technicians carefully examine your entire solar array, checking for signs of current infestations, entry points, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Humane Removal: If pests are currently living under your panels, we safely and humanely remove them along with all nesting materials and debris.
- Professional Cleaning: We clean the affected areas, removing droppings, nesting materials, and any debris that could attract future pests or cause damage.
- Expert Barrier Installation: We install high-quality critter guards and mesh barriers specifically designed for solar panels.
- Final Inspection & Recommendations: We verify that all entry points are secured and provide you with maintenance recommendations to keep your system protected.
How can we help?
Common Solar Panel Pests
Birds
Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows are the most frequent culprits when it comes to solar panel infestations in the Portland area. These birds see the sheltered space beneath your panels as prime real estate for nesting.
Damage they cause:
- Acidic droppings that corrode roofing materials and panel components
- Massive accumulation of nesting materials that trap moisture and block drainage
- Clogged gutters from feathers and debris
- Noise disturbances, especially during nesting season
- Attraction of secondary pests like mites and lice
Squirrels
Portland’s abundant squirrel population loves the warm, protected environment under solar panels. These agile climbers have no trouble accessing your roof and making themselves at home.
Damage they cause:
- Chewed wiring that can disable your system or create fire hazards
- Gnawed panel frames and mounting equipment
- Scratched panel surfaces that reduce efficiency
- Stored food caches that attract other pests
- Entry points into your attic if they chew through roofing materials
Rats & Mice
Rodents thrive in the hidden spaces beneath solar arrays, where they can nest undisturbed and multiply quickly. Portland’s mild climate allows them to remain active year-round.
Damage they cause:
- Severe electrical damage from constant gnawing on wires
- Contamination from droppings and urine
- Insulation damage if they access your attic
- Rapid population growth, which is a small problem that can become a major infestation fast
- Disease transmission including hantavirus and salmonella
Raccoons
While less common, raccoons occasionally investigate solar panel installations, especially if other pests have already made a home there.
Damage they cause:
- Physical damage to mounting hardware and exclusion barriers
- Torn roofing materials as they attempt access
- Predation that leaves behind messy remains of smaller pests
Other Hidden Dangers of Pest Infestations Under Solar Panels
- Electrical Damage: Rodents constantly gnaw to keep their teeth trimmed, and electrical wiring is a favorite target. Chewed wires can cause system failures, reduced energy production, and even fire hazards.
- Roof Deterioration: Nesting materials trap moisture against your roof, leading to rot, mold growth, and premature shingle deterioration. Bird droppings are highly acidic and can eat through roofing materials over time.
- Reduced Panel Efficiency: Debris accumulation, droppings, and nesting materials can block sunlight and reduce your solar panels’ energy output.
- Health Concerns: Bird droppings and rodent waste carry diseases and can contaminate your home’s air quality, especially if pests gain access to your attic through damaged areas.
- Costly Repairs: Without proper pest control for solar panels, you may face expensive repairs to your solar system, electrical components, and roof structure. Prevention is always more affordable than restoration.
Protect Your Solar Panels
Your solar panels represent a significant investment in your home and the environment. Don’t let pests compromise your clean energy system or cause expensive damage to your roof.
Our certified technicians will assess your system, identify any current or potential pest issues, and provide a customized solar panel pest control solution that keeps your panels (and your home) protected for years to come.
Give us a call today to schedule your solar panel inspection.