Solar panels are a fantastic addition to many homes in Denver, providing clean energy and reducing electricity costs. However, their setup can create an unintended invitation for wildlife. The space beneath solar panels often appeals to animals like birds and squirrels who seek out sheltered spots for their nests. This may seem harmless at first, but wildlife under solar panels can have serious consequences for your roof and your home.

Here, we’ll explore five ways wildlife nesting under your solar panels can put your roof at risk and why it’s important to address these issues with effective, humane solutions.

Blocked Water Drainage Can Lead to Roof Leaks

When animals build nests under solar panels, they often use materials like sticks, leaves, and grass. While it might be cozy for them, these nesting materials can block your roof’s water drainage. Denver’s unpredictable weather brings heavy rain and snow, and blocked drainage can lead to water pooling on your roof.

Standing water might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it can cause severe problems, including:

• Roof material rot: Waterlogged shingles or wood structures can weaken.
• Leaks inside your home: Water buildup eventually finds its way through cracks and holes, causing damage to walls and ceilings.

Roof repairs from water damage can cost thousands of dollars, but addressing wildlife-related issues early can save you from these hefty expenses.

Fire Hazards from Nesting

One of the least expected dangers of wildlife under solar panels is the increased risk of fire. Animals, especially squirrels, often chew on solar panel wiring. While this might be their way of keeping their teeth trimmed, damaged wires are a serious issue. Nesting materials, like dried leaves, are highly flammable, and when combined with exposed electrical wires, the risk of a fire increases significantly.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, improper solar panel maintenance, including issues caused by wildlife, can contribute to electrical risks. Protecting your solar panels and wiring from interference is critical for reducing fire hazards and ensuring your safety.

Solar Panel Efficiency Takes a Hit

Solar panels are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into energy. But when wildlife nests under or around your panels, this efficiency can be compromised. Bird droppings, for example, can accumulate and cover the panels, obstructing sunlight. Similarly, nests built by birds or squirrels can lead to dust and debris gathering on the surface of the panels.

Research indicates that dirty solar panels can lose up to 20% of their energy-capturing efficiency. For Denver homeowners relying on solar energy to offset energy costs, this drop in performance can be frustrating. Keeping wildlife out from under your panels ensures they operate at peak efficiency.

Structural Damage to Your Roof

Animals seeking shelter may unintentionally damage your roof. Squirrels are particularly known for chewing through materials, while movement from raccoons or other animals can weaken roof tiles or loosen solar panel mounts.

Over time, repeated nesting activity can result in:

• Cracked or scratched shingles: These weak spots become entry points for moisture.
• Loose solar panel fasteners: Animals moving around and under panels can compromise their security.
• Damaged insulation: Wildlife can tear or break through protective roofing layers.

The cumulative effect of this damage can cause costly repairs and reduce the lifespan of your roof. Humane wildlife control in Denver can eliminate the problem while preserving the health of both your roof and local wildlife populations.

Health Risks from Droppings and Parasites

Wildlife nesting under solar panels doesn’t just impact your roof or energy system – it can also affect your health. Animals living in close proximity to your home are almost always accompanied by droppings, bacteria, and parasites like mites or ticks.

Droppings can contaminate your property, and the accumulation of waste creates unsanitary conditions. For homeowners, this can lead to:

• Respiratory problems: Dried droppings can produce dust that irritates the lungs.
• Health risks from parasites: Ticks, mites, or fleas carried by animals may spread to humans or pets.

By addressing nesting wildlife professionally and humanely, you can maintain a safe, sanitary home environment while preventing further infestations.

How to Keep Wildlife Out from Under Your Solar Panels

For Denver residents, taking action to protect your roof and solar panels from wildlife is crucial. But how do you do it effectively and responsibly? Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of wildlife making a home under your solar panels:

• Install barriers around solar panels: Screening or mesh can be professionally fitted around your solar panels to prevent animals from nesting underneath.
• Schedule regular inspections: Periodic maintenance can detect any damage or signs of activity before it becomes a major issue.
• Clean panels regularly: Removing debris and keeping the area clean ensures your solar panels remain efficient.

It’s important to avoid DIY solutions or inhumane methods. Handling animals improperly can lead to further damage, safety concerns, or harm to wildlife. Professional solutions, like those offered by Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Denver, are designed to address these situations safely and effectively.

With over three decades of experience, Skedaddle works to humanely deter animals from nesting under your panels, ensuring your home remains safe and your solar system performs optimally.

Why Humane Wildlife Control Matters

Choosing humane wildlife control in Denver is not just about protecting your roof. It’s also about coexisting sustainably with the environment and the animals that share our spaces. Humane methods prioritize the well-being of animals, ensuring they are safely removed and unable to return, while preventing harm to your home.

Skedaddle’s team plays a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities in your solar panel system, reinforcing these areas, and restoring your peace of mind. By addressing the issue early, you’re not only protecting your investment but also contributing to a humane solution that benefits everyone.

Protect Your Solar Panels and Home with Humane Wildlife Solutions

Wildlife under solar panels might seem like a harmless problem at first glance, but the risks are significant. From blocked drainage and fire hazards to reduced efficiency, structural damage, and health concerns, the effects can add up quickly. But instead of waiting for the damage to occur, taking prompt, humane action makes all the difference.

If you’re noticing signs of nesting or want to prevent wildlife issues before they start, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Denver is here to help. With a commitment to both effective and humane solutions, we can help you protect your roof, preserve your solar panels’ efficiency, and keep your home safe for years to come.

Don’t leave your roof and solar investment to chance. Contact Skedaddle today to schedule a consultation and ensure your home stays secure!