Squirrels and pigeons are not healthy for solar installations. Squirrels can chew wiring, store food and build nests. Pigeons are a serious concern because they are highly mobile, randomly choose areas to nest, and generate incredible amounts of excrement that corrodes metal, stone, and roofing shingles with buildup. Nests also create hot spots under solar arrays which can cause performance issues and even product failures.
The Canadian Electrical Code section 2-200 and Section 64 require mechanical protection be added when conditions are known to exist which puts installations at risk. (clarified by Alberta Standata CEC-64 July 2018)
If you discover a pigeon infestation, the earlier we address it the better. SolarNinjas can send a team of experienced solar installers to put high quality “critter guard” around your arrays. Steel mesh coated in plastic, attached using steel clips to the solar panel edges will provide long term protection of your asset with little or no negative visual impact. While on site we will photo document your installation, check torque on bolts to ensure they have not loosened up, and address nests to the best of our ability.
Our current favourite product is shown here. We use a high quality MADE IN USA product with no stickers, glues, or trashy components. We buy it from an independent local distributor (Thanks Dale!) and hope you are as confident and comfortable with the results as we are.
