Hello, this is your resident solar expert and blogger signing in with a fresh post straight from the sun-drenched world of renewable energy! If you’re curious about solar panels for your home and how to best maintain them, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m addressing a rather unique, yet common concern for many homeowners who have embraced the world of solar energy – the issue of wildlife around solar panels.
As avid supporters of nature and renewal energy, it’s no surprise that many solar enthusiasts, like myself, enjoy spotting wildlife in its natural habitat. However, when it comes to our solar panels, we prefer to keep them pristine and uninhibited. Yes, you read that right – the illustrious world of solar panels often faces the small but mighty challenge of bird droppings and, sometimes, more feisty wildlife concerns.
You might be asking, why would an animal, say a bird, be attracted to a solar array for home use? The reasons are rather simple – some creatures are attracted to the shine of the panels, others enjoy the shelter they provide, while some of them might love the warmth they radiate. This animal magnetism, pardon the pun, can present several problems for your solar panels and consequently, for your home’s energy efficiency.
Of all the unexpected intruders, bird droppings present a significant problem. Why? It’s simple. When avian excrement accumulates on solar panels, it blocks the photovoltaic cells from accessing sunlight, reducing their efficiency. Interestingly, a study found that bird droppings were responsible for nearly 46.42% to 89.18% of efficiency loss in solar panels. Beyond being unpleasant to handle, it might even cause permanent damage if baked onto the panels.
The natural movement of birds and other critters can also lead to loose wiring in the panels, compromising connections and system efficiency. Some inquisitive rodents, like squirrels, have been known to gnaw on the wires too (their reasons, known only to themselves). And let’s not forget, the new avian or animal residents can decide to build nests among or burrows under your solar panels, elevating the risk of poor connections.
Adding to the heat, quite literally, a build-up of nesting material could interfere with the panels’ ventilation. The resultant heat build-up might even lead to electrical fires with the nests serving as kindling. Misaligned panels also pose an issue. It’s no secret in the solar industry that the angle of panel installation is crucial for maximizing energy production. Therefore, an animal nudging a panel out of position can undo much of the installer’s careful work.
Now, coming to the solution. To deter animals from frequenting your solar array, the first step is regular cleaning and maintenance. Predator decoys, through technology or kits that mimic predators, can deter animals from moving in. Some solar companies even suggest soundtracks of attack cries to scare animals away, which can be pitched at a frequency humans don’t hear.
In persistent cases, some measures like netting or electric fencing can be considered. Though these might seem like drastic steps, it’s better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes. Remember, investing in solar panels for your home is a significant endeavor and ensuring their optimal function and efficiency is your responsibility as much as it is of the solar company that installed them.
Let’s keep wildlife where it belongs – in its natural habitat, and not around our rooftop solar arrays. Armed with this knowledge, I hope you feel confident in facing any wildlife challenges you come across in your solar journey. Until next time, keep shining bright with solar power!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/19/the-wild-side-of-rooftop-solar/
