How To Protect Solar Panels From Squirrels?
Solar panels are a great way to save on energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint. They are also an investment and we want to ensure they are protected, especially from little furry creatures. Squirrels love to munch on anything and everything and they are often attracted to the wires and fixtures of solar panels. Therefore, it's important to take certain measures to keep the panels safe from any damage.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
First and foremost, it's important to understand why squirrels are attracted to solar panels in the first place. Squirrels are naturally curious creatures, and they love to chew on things. If they find any loose wires or fixtures, they will not hesitate to chew on them, causing severe damage to the panels. Moreover, squirrels also love to store their food in warm, dry spaces and solar panels provide the perfect spot for that. Therefore, it's important to keep the panels safe from squirrels, so they don't cause any damage.
Prevent the Access of Squirrels
One of the most effective ways to protect your solar panels from squirrel damage is by preventing their access to the panels. Squirrels are expert climbers and jumpers, and they can easily climb up to the roof of your house or solar panel, so it's important to take certain measures to keep them away. Installing a mesh fence around the solar panels can be an effective way of preventing squirrels' access. The mesh fence should be made of a material that is durable and hard for squirrels to chew through, such as steel or aluminum. This can also serve as a physical barrier to keep squirrels away from the panels.
Trim the Trees
Squirrels are excellent climbers and can jump from trees onto the roof or solar panels. Therefore, it's important to keep trees trimmed to prevent squirrels from coming too close to the panels. It's important to note that squirrels can jump up to 10 feet, so it's important to trim the trees accordingly. Furthermore, it's important to keep the branches away from the roof, in case they might become a ladder for the squirrels to climb up.
Use Squirrel-Proof Feeders
If you enjoy feeding birds, it's important to use squirrel-proof feeders so that squirrels don't get attracted to them and try to climb up to the solar panels. There are many squirrel-proof bird feeders available in the market that are designed to keep squirrels away from the feeders. Furthermore, it's important to clean up any bird feed that falls on the ground, as squirrels might be attracted to it.
Use Squirrel-Proof Fasteners
Squirrels can easily chew through the fasteners that hold solar panels in place, causing serious damage to the panels. Therefore, it's important to use squirrel-proof fasteners that are made of a material that is hard for squirrels to chew through. Stainless steel fasteners are a good option as they are strong and durable, and squirrels won't be able to chew through them.
Put Scented Repellents
Squirrels are naturally afraid of predators, and they can be deterred from going near your solar panels using scented repellents. Some options of scented repellents include mothballs, peppermint, and vinegar. Sprinkle these scented repellents around the solar panels, and it will keep squirrels away. Furthermore, you can try using predator urine, available in many gardening stores, to deter squirrels as they will think that there is a predator around.
Solar panels are an investment and need to be protected from squirrel damage. There are many measures that can be taken to keep the solar panels safe from squirrels, and it's important to take these measures seriously. Installing a mesh fence around the solar panels, trimming trees, using squirrel-proof feeders and fasteners, and putting scented repellents, are all effective ways to keep squirrels away from the panels. By putting in place these measures, you can rest assured that your solar panels will remain safe and continue to provide you with clean energy for years to come.