Animals nesting or foraging under solar arrays cause wiring damage, production loss, and fire risk. CurrentRS assesses and repairs pest damage under solar panels and installs pest barriers to prevent future intrusion for homeowners in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
CurrentRS repairs pest-related solar wiring damage and can install pest barrier protection for existing residential solar arrays in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. We assess the damage first, repair affected wiring and conduit, and install a perimeter barrier to prevent future access.
Chewed solar wiring is an electrical hazard. Squirrels and other animals chew through wiring insulation to use as nesting material or simply due to the material properties. Exposed DC wiring under a solar array carries voltage whenever sunlight is present — there is no off switch for DC wiring between panels and the inverter. Any suspected wiring damage under a solar array should be assessed promptly.
The gap between solar panels and a roof surface creates an ideal nesting and sheltering space for animals.
Solar panels create a warm, elevated, weatherproof space a few inches above the roof surface. Birds find this ideal for nesting; squirrels find the DC wiring and conduit accessible and chewable; mice and other rodents use the space for nesting material. Most residential solar arrays have no factory-installed barrier preventing access. Over time, untreated intrusion leads to accumulated debris, moisture retention, wiring damage, and production loss.
Damage varies by animal type but typically involves wiring, conduit, structural components, or roof surface areas.
Squirrel damage: Chewed wiring insulation, damaged conduit runs, and occasionally chewed racking components. Squirrels are the most common cause of wiring damage and fire risk under solar arrays. Damaged DC wiring must be replaced — it cannot simply be taped or patched.
Bird damage: Nesting debris that traps moisture against the roof surface, potentially causing premature shingle deterioration, mold, or rot beneath the array. Birds don't typically damage wiring directly but their nesting material can cause secondary roof damage over time.
Pest damage repair begins with an inspection to fully assess the extent of the problem.
CurrentRS inspects the underside of the array, inventories all visible damage, and identifies affected wiring, conduit, and components. Depending on damage severity and location, panels may need to be temporarily lifted for access. Damaged wiring is replaced with properly rated solar cable, conduit is repaired or replaced, and the area is cleared of debris. After repair, a pest barrier is installed to close off access.
A critter guard is the most effective long-term solution for preventing pest intrusion.
A solar pest barrier (critter guard) is a UV-resistant mesh or wire screen that attaches to the edges of the solar array and closes the gap between the panel frame and the roof surface. It creates a complete perimeter barrier that animals cannot breach without disturbing the array. CurrentRS installs pest barriers as a standalone service on systems with no existing barrier, or as part of a post-damage repair project. Learn more about solar system service →
Serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.