Why It’s Smart to Add Critter Guards During Reinstallation
Solar energy has quickly become one of the smartest investments for Houston homeowners. With rising electricity costs, frequent power outages, and intense summer heat, solar systems provide long-term savings, stability, and energy independence. But like any home system, your solar setup needs proper protection from environmental and physical risks—especially the kind that come from unexpected places.
One of the most overlooked sources of damage to solar systems is wildlife. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even neighborhood cats are known to crawl underneath solar panel arrays. While panels are built to withstand hail, wind, and harsh weather, they aren’t designed to protect the wiring, junction boxes, and mounting surfaces beneath them from animals.
That’s where critter guards come in.
At The Light Group USA, we frequently install critter guards during solar panel removal and reinstallation, especially after roof repairs or storm damage. You can learn more about that service here:
Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation
Adding critter guards at the same time simply makes sense—and in many cases, it can prevent thousands of dollars in future repair costs.
What Are Critter Guards?
Critter guards are protective barriers installed along the edges of your solar array. They are designed to:
Block animals from nesting under panels
Prevent chewing or clawing of wiring
Reduce debris build-up (like leaves, dirt, and branches)
Improve airflow and reduce overheating risks
They do not interfere with the performance or appearance of your system. In fact, they help maintain long-term efficiency by protecting critical components.
Why Animals Are Drawn to Solar Panels
Solar arrays create an ideal environment for small animals because:
They provide shade from the sun.
They provide warmth during cooler months.
They offer shelter from predators and heavy rain.
The gap beneath panels resembles a safe, hidden nest site.
Once inside, animals can:
Chew wiring
Scratch panel coatings
Displace insulation
Build nests that trap heat and debris
Even small damage to solar wiring can disrupt voltage flow and reduce system efficiency significantly.
If damage has already occurred, performance can often be restored through our
Solar Repair & Maintenance services.
Why Reinstallation Is the Best Time to Add Critter Guards
Critter guards can be added at any time—but the most cost-effective time is during a system removal and reinstallation. When panels are already being lifted to allow for:
Roof replacement
Storm damage repair
Waterproofing adjustment
System optimization realignment
…it eliminates the need for additional labor later.
During reinstallation, we already have full access to the mounting system and the underside of the panels—which means:
No extra time spent detaching equipment
No additional roof disruption
Lower service cost
Faster full-system protection
That’s why we strongly recommend adding critter guards during reinstallation instead of waiting.
Start here if you are preparing for reinstallation:
Removal & Reinstallation of Solar Panels
Preventing Long-Term System Damage
Without critter guards, animal damage can lead to:
IssueResultChewed wiringSystem shutdown or reduced power outputNesting debrisOverheating and panel efficiency lossScratched backsheet layersElectrical shorts or cell exposureDamaged junction box wiringExpensive inverter failure
This is why many homeowners see a mysterious drop in energy production even when the panels look perfectly fine from the outside.
If you’ve noticed a decrease in output, schedule a diagnostic under our
Solar Repair & Maintenance service.
Houston Weather Makes Critter Guards Even More Important
Houston homeowners deal with:
High humidity → attracts nesting insects
Heat waves → encourage animals to seek shade
Storm debris → creates nesting materials on rooftops
Roof repairs after hurricanes → lead to panel removal and reinstallation
This makes wildlife protection not just optional—but necessary.
During reinstallation, we also double-check:
Panel alignment to maximize sunlight capture (great for boosting energy output)
Roof flashing around mounts to prevent water intrusion
Voltage and inverter performance to ensure full system efficiency
If you are installing a new solar system and want to make sure it's critter-protected from day one, see:
Residential Solar Panel Installation
or for business properties:
Commercial Solar Panel Installation
Homeowners Often Combine Critter Guards With Other Upgrades
Since reinstallation already opens access to system wiring and roof structure, many customers take this opportunity to add:
Backup Power Storage
To keep the home running during grid outages:
Residential Energy Storage (Batteries)
Energy Efficiency Improvements
To reduce power usage and extend solar savings:
Residential Energy Efficiency Improvements
Together, these upgrades provide:
Lower monthly electricity bills
Stronger performance during storms
A more efficient home year-round
How to Know If You Need Critter Guards
Look for these signs around your roof or panels:
Scratching sounds above ceilings or in attic spaces
Debris collecting under panel edges
Animals seen walking across the roof
Visible wire exposure around junction points
Reduced system output with no weather-related cause
If any of those ring familiar—it’s time.
The Bottom Line
Critter guards are one of the smallest investments you can make in your solar system—but the protection they provide is huge. Adding them during reinstallation is the smartest time because:
The panels are already being moved
Labor costs are minimized
System access is simplified
Long-term efficiency and safety are protected
Your solar system is an asset. Let’s protect it properly.
Ready to Add Critter Guards During Reinstallation?
Start here:
Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation
Protect your wiring.
Protect your roof.
Protect your energy savings.
