Critter Guards Utah
Why You Need Critter Guards:
- Prevents squirrels, pigeons, and rodents from nesting under your solar panels
- Stops animals from chewing wires and causing electrical damage
- Protects your roof from moisture buildup, rot, and acidic droppings
- Eliminates debris and nests that restrict airflow and reduce panel efficiency
- Reduces the risk of system shutdowns, electrical shorts, or fire hazards
- Keeps pests from spreading into your attic or interior living spaces
- Helps maintain your solar warranty by preventing wildlife-related damage
- Provides long-term, low-maintenance protection for your solar investment
- Saves money by avoiding costly repairs and performance losses
Why Solar Panels Attract Critters in Utah
Utah is one of the top solar-producing states in the country, and its wide temperature swings — hot summers and cold winters — make the space beneath solar panels extremely attractive to wildlife. This small, shaded area traps warmth in winter and offers cool shelter in summer, creating an ideal environment for critters seeking refuge from Utah’s unpredictable climate.
Homeowners across Salt Lake City, Draper, Sandy, Herriman, Lehi, Provo, Layton, Park City, and St. George commonly experience the same issue: wildlife sees the solar array as a safe haven. Birds build nests beneath the panels; squirrels chew wiring; raccoons attempt to crawl under the frames; and pigeons quickly take over rooftops in dense residential areas. Without professional exclusion, a single nesting season can cause hundreds — even thousands — in damage.
Critters aren’t just a nuisance. They create serious risks:
1. Electrical hazards
Squirrels and other rodents chew wires, exposing copper and compromising insulation. This can lead to short circuits, blown inverters, reduced energy output, and fire risks.
2. Roof deterioration
Nest materials trap moisture, cause wood rot, and allow mold to develop. This weakens shingles and reduces lifespan.
3. System shutdowns & reduced efficiency
Blocked airflow prevents the solar system from cooling properly. Higher temperatures reduce performance, sometimes by 10–20%.
4. Infestations that spread into the home
Bird mites, fleas, ticks, and insects often migrate from nests into attics and living spaces.
5. Voided solar warranties
Many manufacturers and solar installers state clearly that pest damage is not covered under warranty or maintenance agreements.
Because Utah’s geography ranges from desert to mountain habitats, pest activity varies by region:
- Wasatch Front: High pigeon populations and roof-nesting birds
- Utah County: Squirrels and small mammals chewing wiring
- Park City & Mountain Homes: Raccoons, marmots, chipmunks
- Southern Utah: Birds seeking shade beneath panels during extreme heat
- Rural Utah: Rodents and wildlife using panels as shelter
Critter Guard Utah understands these regional differences and prepares each home for its specific challenges. Our guards are built to keep out all forms of Utah wildlife, ensuring your solar system stays safe in every season.
If you’re seeing droppings, feathers, nests, or hearing unwanted noises — the problem will not go away on its own. Wildlife always returns unless the area is completely sealed. Our critter guard system provides permanent, long-lasting protection designed specifically for Utah environments.
Our Critter Guard Installation Process
At Critter Guard Utah, we follow a proven step-by-step installation process engineered for maximum protection and long-term performance. We install critter guards the right way, ensuring safety, quality, and zero damage to your solar system or roofing materials.
Here’s how our process works:
1. Full Inspection of Your Solar Array
Your technician begins with a comprehensive rooftop assessment. We check for existing pest activity, nesting, droppings, roof damage, chew marks, or wiring issues. This step helps us determine the best guard placement and identify any repairs that may be needed.
2. Removal of Debris, Nests & Contaminants
Before guard installation, we clear out debris, feathers, nesting material, twigs, and leaves that could trap moisture or cause future problems. This also eliminates odors and prevents pests from being sealed inside the area.
3. Precision Fitting of Mesh Guarding
We use high-grade, coated steel critter mesh specifically designed for solar panel systems. Our guards are weather-resistant, rust-proof, and rated for long-term exposure to Utah’s harsh UV and winter conditions.
We measure each section carefully to ensure the guard sits flush and provides full perimeter protection around your solar array.
4. Non-Invasive Fastening System
Unlike cheap DIY methods, we never drill into your panels or roof. Our fastening clips attach securely without damaging your system, voiding warranties, or creating leak points. This ensures your solar array stays fully protected without compromising performance.
5. High-Strength Perimeter Sealing
After the mesh is attached, we secure every section to eliminate gaps. This creates a complete barrier that blocks squirrels, birds, raccoons, rodents, and other wildlife from entering — even the smallest pests.
6. System Review & Final Cleanup
Once installation is complete, we walk you through the finished work and confirm that all edges, corners, and openings are fully protected. We clean up all debris, packaging, and nest material, leaving your home spotless.
7. Long-Term Durability for Utah Conditions
- Our system is engineered to withstand:
- Heavy snow loads
- High winds along the Wasatch Front
- Intense UV exposure
- Dust storms in southern Utah
- Ice expansion and freeze cycles
This ensures your investment continues protecting your home for years to come.
With fast scheduling, clean installs, and guaranteed results, Critter Guard Utah delivers unmatched quality for homeowners who want immediate and long-term protection.
The Risks of Leaving Your Solar Panels Unprotected
Chewed Electrical Wiring
Squirrels are notorious for chewing wiring because they instinctively grind down their teeth. Once copper is exposed, you risk:
- Electrical shorts
- System shutdowns
- Reduced solar output
- Safety hazards
Damaged Solar Panels
Nests and debris prevent proper ventilation. When your panels overheat, they lose efficiency, degrade faster, and become more susceptible to cracking.
Roof Material Erosion
Trapped moisture beneath panels leads to:
- Rotting shingles
- Mold growth
- Water damage
- Compromised roof structure
Bird droppings are acidic and accelerate roof deterioration.
Pest Infestation Into the Home
Once pests claim the space under your panels, they often migrate inward. This leads to attic infestations, insulation damage, and secondary pest problems like mites or insects carried by nesting birds.
Fire Hazards
Chewed wires combined with dried nesting materials create one of the most dangerous situations for any household — an electrical fire risk. Many Utah solar companies warn homeowners that pest damage is not covered under system warranties.
Noise, Odors & Ongoing Disruption
Critters living under panels bring:
- Scratching noises
- Constant bird activity
- Droppings accumulating around the home
- Debris falling into gutters
This affects not only your home but often your neighbors as well.
Cleanup & Repair Costs Add Up Fast
Once pests move in, you often need:
- Pest removal
- Nest cleanup
- Wiring repairs
- Panel service
- Roof repairs
Critter guards prevent all of these costs before they happen. When installed early, they act as a one-time, permanent barrier that keeps all wildlife out.
Critter Guard Utah helps you avoid expensive repairs and preserve the performance, value, and lifespan of your solar energy system.
Our Critter Guard Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about critter guards and their benefits for your solar panels in Utah.
What are critter guards?
Critter guards are protective barriers installed around solar panels to prevent animals from nesting or causing damage. They help maintain the efficiency of your solar system.Why do I need a critter guard?
Without critter guards, small animals can access your solar panels, leading to potential damage and costly repairs. Installing a critter guard ensures your solar investment is protected.How are critter guards installed?
Our team at Critter Guard Utah will assess your solar panel setup and install the critter guards securely, ensuring they fit perfectly and function effectively.Can I replace or repair my existing critter guard?
Yes, we offer replacement and repair services for existing critter guards. Our experts can evaluate the condition of your current guard and recommend the best solution.What materials are used for critter guards?
Our critter guards are made from durable, weather-resistant materials designed to withstand the elements while providing effective protection against wildlife.












