Solar Power in the PNW: Safe, Clean, and Critter-Free

Washington homeowners are proud solar adopters—embracing clean energy even in cloudy conditions. But one threat to your solar system doesn’t come from the sky. It comes from below: nesting animals.

From squirrels and rats to birds and raccoons, local pests love the shelter your solar panels provide. Left alone, they can chew through wires, expose conductors, and start fires that damage your roof and threaten your home.

Common But Preventable

Let’s be clear: these fires don’t start because solar panels are unsafe.
They start when pests chew through insulation, leaving live wires exposed beneath flammable nesting material.

Any home can be affected—new or old systems, urban or rural locations.

Smart Protection Steps From Pests for Washington Homes

The Pacific Northwest is home to a wide variety of critters, and your rooftop is prime real estate to them. Here’s how to keep them out—and keep your system safe.

What You Can Do:

1. Install Critter Guard

A critter guard is a metal mesh that runs along the edge of your solar panels, blocking animals from getting underneath.

2. Schedule Annual System Checkups

Even if you don’t notice activity, an annual inspection will help catch small problems before they become costly ones.

3. Keep Your Roof Clear

Pine needles, twigs, and leaves are common across Washington rooftops. Clean them off regularly to remove fire hazards.

Trust Sunergy Systems to Keep Your Roof Safe

At Sunergy Systems, we’ve helped hundreds of Washington homeowners install and maintain solar systems that are safe, efficient, and critter-free. If you don’t already have critter guard installed, let’s change that—before pests make themselves at home.