Power House Home Energy | Long Island, NY
Investing in solar panels for your Long Island home is a smart decision that helps lower energy costs, increases home value, and reduces your carbon footprint. But to ensure your solar panel installation performs optimally for 25+ years, it’s important to protect it from potential damage.
Two key components that can safeguard your solar panels are critter guards and snow guards. These add-ons help prevent issues that could lead to costly repairs or energy loss. Let’s explore why they’re essential for maintaining your solar investment.
What Are Critter Guards & Why Do You Need Them?
The Problem: Animals & Solar Panels
Solar panels create an ideal sheltered space for small animals like squirrels, birds, and rodents to nest. Unfortunately, these critters can cause significant damage:
- Chewed Wires – Rodents love gnawing on electrical wiring, leading to malfunctions and fire hazards.
- Bird Nests & Debris – Nesting materials under panels can block airflow, leading to overheating and system inefficiencies.
- Pest Infestations – Animals living under your panels can bring unwanted pests like mites and ticks.
Pest activity around your residential solar panel installation can compromise panels and your roofing, so it’s vital that you have a protective barrier that stops intrusion.
The Solution: Critter Guards
Critter guards are mesh barriers installed around the edges of your solar panels to block access for rodents, birds, and other small animals.
What are the Benefits of Critter Guards for Solar Panel Installations?
The best solar companies on Long Island will install critter guards to protect your system and ensure reliability.
- Protects wiring & components – Prevents costly repairs from chewed wires.
- Extends system lifespan – Reduces damage that can lead to early degradation.
- Maintains optimal energy production – Keeps your system running efficiently.
- Avoids roof damage – Stops animals from burrowing under panels and damaging roofing materials.
Power House Home Energy recommends installing critter guards at the time of your solar installation to prevent problems before they start. However, they can also be added to an existing system if needed. We are your local solar providers in Suffolk County and Nassau County, and take pride in offering protective solutions for residential solar arrays.
What Are Snow Guards & Why Are They Important?
The Problem: Snow Buildup & Roof Avalanches
Solar works well in winter, but Long Island’s weather can bring snow and ice, which can accumulate on panels. Unlike traditional shingles, solar panels are smooth and allow snow to slide off in large, heavy sheets, potentially causing:
- Sudden Roof Avalanches – Heavy snow can slide off at once, damaging gutters, landscaping, cars, or even injuring people.
- Blocked Pathways & Driveways – Snow dumping in large amounts can obstruct entryways.
- Roof Strain & Leaks – Uneven snow buildup can put extra weight on your roof.
The Solution: Snow Guards
Snow guards are small, strategically placed barriers installed on solar panels to slow and safely distribute the release of snow.
Benefits of Snow Guards:
- Prevents dangerous roof avalanches – Controls the slow, even release of snow.
- Protects people & property – Keeps snow from suddenly falling on driveways, patios, or walkways.
- Reduces roof strain – Helps prevent ice dams and water damage.
- Improves solar efficiency – Keeps panels clear longer, maximizing energy production.
Do Solar Installers on Long Island Always Install Critter and Snow Guards?
Critter and snow guards are optional extras for your solar panel installation. When you choose experienced solar installers on Long Island, you can easily add them to your installation package.
At Power House Home Energy, we believe that detailed consultations and effective planning are key to customer satisfaction. We will explore the need for protective guards during your consultation to ensure that your system is not only powerful and efficient but also protected from common types of damage.
How Much Do Solar Panel Installers Near Me Charge for Snow and Critter Guards?
The cost to install critter guards and snow guards ranges significantly in price, and a “ballpark” estimate might feel misleading without knowing the specifics of your solar panel system and your roof. The best way to learn about costs is to ask about these guards during your consultation with solar panel installers near you.
If you already have panels on your roof, simply reach out to us today for details.
Critter Guards & Snow Guards: Protection for Long Island Solar Homes
Long Island homeowners face unique weather challenges, from winter snowstorms and hot summers to an abundance of local wildlife. Protecting your solar system with critter guards and snow guards ensures:
- Less maintenance & fewer repairs.
- Better energy production & system efficiency.
- Longer lifespan for your solar panels.
- Greater safety for your home and family.
Talk to Power House Home Energy today. We provide high-quality solar panel installations and protective add-ons to keep your system running at peak performance.
