Solar Panel Squirrel Proofing
Protect Your Solar Panels from Squirrel Damage
Squirrels nesting beneath solar panels are becoming an increasingly common problem for homeowners.
While pigeons are often associated with solar panel nesting, squirrels can actually pose a much greater risk to the solar panel system itself.
Once squirrels gain access beneath solar panels they may:
chew solar panel cables
damage electrical connectors
build large nests beneath the panels
create ongoing entry points
reduce the reliability of the system
Because squirrels are rodents with constantly growing teeth, they instinctively chew materials. This behaviour can lead to expensive electrical damage if the problem is not addressed quickly.
Installing professional solar panel squirrel proofing helps prevent squirrels accessing the space beneath the panels and protects your solar investment.
If you have seen squirrels on your roof or around your solar panels, contact Nex Pest Control today for a free quote.
Call Nex Pest Control Today
📞 01438 870688
💬 WhatsApp photos to 07853 726348
or
Request a free solar panel squirrel proofing quote today.
Why Squirrels Are More Dangerous Than Birds
Birds nesting beneath solar panels are messy and noisy, but squirrels can be far more destructive.
Squirrels are powerful climbers and persistent rodents capable of forcing entry into small gaps around solar arrays.
Unlike birds, squirrels actively chew cables and wiring, which means they can cause direct damage to the solar panel system.
Problems caused by squirrels beneath solar panels may include:
chewed solar panel cables
damaged wiring insulation
electrical faults
reduced system performance
expensive repair work
While pigeons mainly create nuisance issues such as droppings and nesting debris, squirrels can cause physical damage to the installation itself.
This is why installing the correct proofing system is essential.
Nex Pest Control Highlighted the Squirrel Problem in 2024
Nex Pest Control was one of the first pest control companies to highlight the growing problem of squirrels nesting beneath solar panels.
From the beginning of 2024, we began seeing increasing numbers of squirrel-related issues beneath solar arrays. At the time, most proofing systems on the market were designed primarily to stop birds.
However, squirrels are significantly stronger and more destructive than birds, meaning many existing proofing systems were not sufficient.
As a result, Nex Pest Control began focusing on stronger materials and more robust installation methods designed to protect solar panels from both birds and squirrels.
Today our proofing systems are designed specifically to withstand the strength and persistence of squirrel activity.
Why Cheap Solar Panel Proofing Systems Often Fail
Not all solar panel proofing systems are designed to deal with squirrels.
Many lower cost installations use:
thin 1mm mesh
lightweight materials that can bend or deform
plastic proofing systems
basic fittings that can loosen over time
While these systems may deter birds temporarily, squirrels are far more determined and can apply significant force when climbing, pulling or chewing around a solar array.
In many cases, lightweight proofing systems can become damaged or displaced when squirrels attempt to gain entry.
Choosing a stronger proofing system from the beginning helps prevent repeat problems and protects the solar installation long term.
Why Nex Pest Control Uses Stronger Materials
At Nex Pest Control we use high-quality 1.6mm 16g galvanised steel mesh rather than the thinner 1mm mesh used by many proofing installations.
This heavier gauge mesh provides a much stronger barrier and is significantly more resistant to bending, pulling or deformation.
Key benefits of our proofing system include:
heavy-duty 1.6mm steel mesh
significantly stronger than many 1mm mesh systems
designed to resist pressure from squirrels
long-lasting galvanised materials
discreet installation around the solar panel perimeter
secure installation using specialist solar panel clips
Our mesh proofing systems are designed to provide reliable long-term protection against both birds and squirrels.
Our Solar Panel Squirrel Proofing System
Nex Pest Control uses a professional mesh exclusion system specifically designed for solar panel installations.
Heavy Duty 1.6mm Galvanised Mesh
As standard, we install a European grade 1.6mm 16g galvanised steel mesh (25mm x 25mm) around the perimeter of the solar panel array.
This prevents birds and squirrels from gaining access beneath the panels while maintaining airflow.
Unlike lower grade products on the market, our mesh:
Cannot be bent or deformed by squirrels or birds
Is resistant to corrosion
Provides long-term protection
Optional Black PVC Coated 2.3mm Mesh
Where aesthetics are important, we can install the same heavy duty mesh with a black PVC coating, which blends discreetly with most solar panel frames.
Industry Leading Warranty
We are extremely confident in the quality of our materials and installations.
Our solar panel proofing systems include:
15 year warranty on galvanised mesh systems
20 year warranty on black PVC coated mesh systems
This provides long-term protection for your solar panel investment.
Why We Avoid Plastic Solar Panel Proofing
Some solar panel proofing products use plastic barriers or plastic mesh.
While these systems may look neat when first installed, they are generally not designed to withstand the strength and persistence of squirrels.
Squirrels are powerful climbers and rodents capable of chewing through weaker materials.
For this reason, Nex Pest Control focuses on robust metal mesh proofing systems rather than lightweight plastic products.
Using high-quality steel mesh helps provide stronger and longer lasting protection for your solar panels.
Are Squirrel or Animal Damage Covered by Solar Panel Warranties?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that damage caused by squirrels, birds, or other animals is not covered by most solar panel manufacturer warranties.
Solar panel warranties are designed to cover manufacturing defects and long-term performance, typically guaranteeing that the panels will continue producing electricity for 20–25 years. However, damage caused by external factors — including animals nesting or chewing beneath the panels — is classed as environmental damage, not a fault with the solar panel itself.
Squirrels in particular can cause serious issues around solar panel systems. They are known to chew through electrical wiring insulation, damage connectors, and build nests beneath panels. This type of activity can lead to system faults, reduced performance, and in some cases expensive electrical repairs.
Because this type of damage is considered external interference, repairs are normally the responsibility of the homeowner rather than the solar panel manufacturer or installer.
For this reason, many homeowners choose to install solar panel proofing systems designed to prevent squirrels, birds and other pests from accessing the gap beneath the panels. Proper proofing helps protect the wiring, prevents nesting, and safeguards the long-term performance of the solar panel system.
How Our Solar Panel Squirrel Proofing Works
Solar panel squirrel proofing works by installing a steel mesh barrier around the edge of the solar panel array.
This prevents squirrels from accessing the sheltered gap beneath the panels while still allowing airflow around the system.
Our installations use specialist stainless steel solar panel clips, allowing the proofing mesh to be secured to the panel frame without drilling into the solar panels.
The finished system is discreet and designed to prevent squirrels gaining access beneath the panels.
Fast Photo Quote – No Inspection Required
Getting a quote for solar panel squirrel proofing is quick and simple.
Nex Pest Control does not require an on-site inspection in most cases.
Instead, we can usually provide a quote using photos of your solar panels.
To request a quote, simply send us:
a photo of the full solar panel array
a photo of the roof from ground level if possible
Our team can review the images and provide a clear quotation for solar panel squirrel proofing.
This allows homeowners to get a quote quickly without needing to arrange a site visit.
Protect Your Solar Investment
Solar panels represent a significant investment for most homeowners.
Allowing squirrels to nest beneath the panels can lead to costly problems including damaged wiring and system faults.
Installing professional squirrel proofing helps:
protect solar panel wiring
prevent costly electrical damage
stop repeat pest activity
protect the long-term performance of your solar system
Taking action early helps prevent the problem becoming more serious.
Solar Panel Squirrel Proofing – Frequently Asked Questions
Can squirrels get under solar panels?
Yes. The gap beneath solar panels creates a sheltered space that squirrels can access from the roof. Once they find this area they may begin nesting beneath the panels.
Are squirrels really a bigger problem than birds?
Yes. While birds create mess and nesting debris, squirrels can cause direct damage to wiring and electrical components by chewing cables and insulation.
How do I get a quote for solar panel squirrel proofing?
Nex Pest Control can usually provide a quote using photos of your solar panels.
Simply send clear images of the panels and roof area and we will review them and provide a quotation.
Will proofing damage my solar panels?
No. Our proofing systems are installed using specialist clips that attach to the solar panel frame without drilling or modifying the panels.
How long does solar panel squirrel proofing last?
Using high-quality steel mesh and proper fittings ensures the proofing system can provide long-lasting protection against both squirrels and birds.
Areas We Cover
Nex Pest Control provides professional solar panel squirrel proofing throughout:
Hertfordshire
Bedfordshire
Cambridgeshire
Essex
Buckinghamshire
Northamptonshire
Greater London
Kent
If you are unsure whether we cover your location, simply contact us and we will be happy to help.
Get a Free Solar Panel Squirrel Proofing Quote
If you have noticed squirrels on your roof or want to prevent them nesting beneath your solar panels, Nex Pest Control can help.
Send us photos of your solar panels and we can usually provide a quick quotation for professional squirrel proofing.
Contact Nex Pest Control Today
💬 WhatsApp photos to 07853 726348
or
Or request a quote online and we will respond as soon as possible..
Protect your solar panels today.
Call or Message Us
If you need urgent pest control, the fastest way to reach us is by phone or WhatsApp.
📞 Call Us
01438 870688 – Stevenage Office
01462 374030 – Hitchin Office
Client Reviews & Feedback
We are a small family run business of dedicated Pest Controllers that take great pride in our work.
Where we work
- Stevenage
- Hitchin
- Letchworth
- Baldock
- Welwyn Garden city
- Ware
- Hertford
Where we work (Bird control)
- Hertfordshire
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Essex
- Buckinghamshire
- Northamptonshire
- Peterborough
- Greater London
- Kent
