Critter-Guard: A Low-Cost Fix for a Common Virginia Solar Problem

Virtue Solar, a Virginia-based solar installer serving residential and commercial customers across the state, has published guidance on critter-guard, an add-on that keeps squirrels and pigeons from nesting underneath solar arrays.

Virtue Solar has installed solar systems in Virginia for more than 10 years, and according to the company, critter-guard is one of the most frequently asked-about add-ons during sales conversations — right alongside topics like warranties and system pricing.

Critter-guard is typically a metal mesh barrier that clips to the edges of solar panels, closing the gap between the bottom of the array and the roof. Once installed, it is usually difficult to notice from the ground. In Virginia, the most common culprits getting underneath panels are squirrels and pigeons.

The problem isn't cosmetic. Squirrels nesting under an array can chew through wiring, which can knock panels offline and lead to repair costs. Animal damage is typically not covered under standard manufacturer warranties, according to Virtue Solar.

Homes with mature trees near the roofline, a history of squirrels on the roof, heavy bird droppings near the ridge, or overhead power lines that attach near the house are more likely to see critter activity. Virtue Solar also notes that asphalt shingle roofs tend to see more problems than metal roofs, likely because shingles are easier for animals to grip and move across.

For homeowners still planning a system, Virtue Solar recommends asking about critter-guard as part of the process to compare solar quotes, since it's often simplest to install while the crew is already on the roof and the area under the panels is clean. For existing solar owners, critter-guard can be retrofitted at any time, which the company says is common on older systems as nearby trees mature or squirrel activity increases.

Virtue Solar advises homeowners to watch for a drop in production on their monitoring app, nesting material poking out from under panels, or increased squirrel or bird activity around the array. The company cautions against installing mesh over an active nest, since trapping animals and nesting debris underneath can make a problem worse rather than better. Any existing nests need to be cleared before critter-guard goes up.

Virtue Solar's solar servicing & repair team inspects and repairs critter damage, including clearing nests, replacing chewed wiring, and installing critter-guard afterward to prevent animals from returning. The company's blog also covers broader system upkeep in its post on solar maintenance costs.

The company notes that critter-guard is not a guarantee against pests but serves as a strong deterrent, and is one of several measures that can reduce service calls and improve long-term reliability for residential solar systems.

Virtue Solar serves homeowners and businesses across Virginia, including Charlottesville, Richmond, Lynchburg, and the Shenandoah Valley. Homeowners considering solar, or wanting to know whether critter-guard makes sense for their home, can schedule a free solar assessment.