Solar Panels - Animal Guard?

They are about 50% as efficient as HAWT systems, however they do not shut down until much higher speeds. So in an area like mine where I have tons of wind, in weird directions, at high speed, a VAWT system makes sense because it can use the wind all the way up to death wind. It is less efficient because the increased drag of not "facing" the wind, but you can use it for a bigger range which makes up for it in some cases.

We are looking at helical versions, some of which start producing under 8mph wind all the way up to 70mph wind. They can survive wind of 110-120mph as well after cutoff.

 

the animal guards will be a $300 or 400 well spent. I have had a system for 6 months that has been down most of the time -- blowing fuses. the crew came out today to troubleshoot and found that more than 50% of my panels have wires chewed through by squirrels. some panels have to be replaced as they are chewed so badly, they can't be repaired. so I have had no production for 6 months and now I will have a whopping bill for a whole crew's labor and new panels. spend the $400. also, could you please send me the name and number of your contractor ??? I would like to call him about the animal guards. thank you for your help.

 

Pemond,

I have the same problem. Squirrels built a nest under my panels and chewed the wiring on most of my panels. The current estimate for repairs is $4350 not including the 2-3 panels that need to be replaced because the wires were chewed too close to the panels. Unfortunately my insurance does not cover squirrel damage.

 

SOLAR TODAY - January/February 2011

 

I own an Energy Optimization company and saw enough of these problems that we decided to develop a standard product around it .. check my company website under Residential Solar.

Hope this helps others before they dangerous fires from frayed solar wiring.

VivekB
Ampericon

 

That's right, the common practice is no conduit. This is because conduit raises issues with moisture and heat build up. Besides, there are so many wires in these systems, there is no affordable way to do it. You'd need connectors in and out of every single panel, plus tons of bending and pipe running all over the place, which has to be supported somehow—all while trying to work in a six to eight inch space beneath the system. It would be a nightmare from both a specifications as well as installation perspective. Animal guard (squirrel guard, pest deterrent, whatever you want to call it) is installed around the perimeter between the panel edges and the roof. It is becoming more and more common—and more necessary—as solar gains in popularity.

The big concern is using hardware that does not harm the panels and thus void the warranty. Installers also want something that is fast. The downward price of the technology is putting constant pressure on the labor for installation as well. Several hardware options are now available. Surprisingly, the screen, in the right size, and quality is difficult to find.