We like to bend the j-clips up against the panels and snip it off. Snipping it off isn't necessary but I've found that the clips can loosen up over time in the wind and with expansion etc. The bend helps prevent the washer from rounding the corner and falling off the end of the clip.
Couple tips for your next install. Order screen about 4 inches taller than the panels and fold the bottom at a 45 degree angle to prevent birds/squirrels from pushing the screen. Takes a little more labor but makes a huge difference. Also Solar Clips should be installed every 18 inches. Otherwise great work man!
Hey SolarGoat. Great work your doing. It's not easy being up on a roof. I had pigeons nesting in a hole under my eaves and they are a pain in the ass. What they don't tell you is that when pigeons get removed, they may leave behind bloodthirsty bird mites that will go into your home and start biting you! We had literally hundred of them come thru. We are considering doing pv panels up there and good to see there are solutions to keep bird away. Pigeons are creatures of habit, no matter how many times u spray water or shoot them with bb pellets, they will come back unless u can put these little blockades up.
Get you the Cougar Paws roofer Inspection boots and a couple replacement pads, amigo!!! Like you were born for 12/12 pitches.. It's a game-changer. I'll dance a jig on a 10/12 pitch with those things, easy.
I need to see if my roof has security straps and then do the same thing. I'm surprised at how many pigeons found my home out here in Eagle Mountain. Thanks for the video, I'll be doing the same thing to my roof.
When I asked my installer if they included critter protection, they initially said they didn’t, then out of the blue they changed their mind and said they are now including it with all their installations. I asked for the name of the product they would use, thinking it would be some no name product you can buy at a big box store they sent me a pdf for your product, given we have some big trees near our home and many critters we were relieved to learn of this product. 😊
Thanks for posting. How you handle the dips to attach the same mesh on a “Spanish style” shingle roof? Those flat roofs are not popular where I live. 😁
My husband started his business of cleaning solar panels and adding bird nesting barriers. How did you attach your harness to the roof? and if I may ask what is your advarge cost to install? How do you figure out what to charge to install?
Hi! Glad to meet someone in the solar repair and maintenance industry. If you go to a roofing supply shop you can get some good roof anchors for harness. Guardian is the most popular manufacturer. Some are permanent and other are removable. I usual use a few SDS screws to attach to a truss. The going rate for the peat screen is about $15-25/panel and cleaning is usually about $6/panel! Hope that helps!
I to do the same solar cleaning and bird proofing in Australia… To attach the harness you can screw in a harness plate push up a concrete tile and tie into the timber truss or use a roofers hook or roofers p shape plate they all are screwed into place using the roofing screws that are already in the tin (colour bond) roof that’s here in Australia tho!,,
I wish i had this installed when i had the array done, lost two optimiziers and a considerable amount of wirining due to squirells. Thanksfully, it wasn’t as bad as we thought.
I’m having trouble pricing.starting a business for solar cleaning but don’t know what to price .is it per panel or flat rate just to clean the panels.what would the bepricing for bird proofing I know material it’s expensive just trying to make some money back? You’re awesome love your videos
Thanks for commenting. I’d price everything per panel. Take the cost of material + the cost of labor and add 40%. Be confident with you price and value of service.
I’d definitely turn off the system for safety. In the rare chance it wasn’t grounded or voltage was leaking to the frame. If your don’t move or touch anything your biggest risk is falling. Stay safe! Be careful!
Pretty slick! Seems like most solar panel and racking will work together. But it’s cool to see panels and attachments that were made for each other. A lot of times you find rails are a little bit too short or or the clamps seem too big or too small.
I think this is actually a rabbit hole. Might need to contact an exterminator depending on where you live and what type of animal. I’d recommend knocking on the roof and scaring them off.
Hi, l did everting you sow on the video, but they are still coming, l have no idea how to get read of them. They can not stay under the solar but steal coming 😢
Holy smokes. Having the same problem. I have a small nest under my panel. I was able get it out but the pigeons are stubborn. Just bought the mesh and will fight with the pigeons later when I put it up
Generally the bird/critter guard will not affect output or warranty unless the install actively or intentionally damages the panel. Not the same for all solar providers so please check with your provider. Birds squirrels and rats however will chew wires and destroy panels from time to time. They can be a real headache
Who can I hire to do this? I am in the process of having panels installed, and the company doing the install now says the pitch of our roof is too steep so they won’t do it.
I install bird proofing for a living the only time you need to screw the mesh is when the customer has had cheap Chinese no lip panels - where the hooks and plastic clips have no where to bite or grab .. IF YOU NEED TO SCREW YOUR MESH IN PLACE CAREFULLY MARK ALL WIRES USE ONLY SHORT SELF TAPPING SCREWS WITH A HARD PLASTIC OR SILICONE WASHER MAKING SURE YOU DO NOT PENETRATE WIRES ONLY SCREW DOWN ON THE LOWEST EDGE WITH A SHORT SCREW… Instead of bird proofing mesh you can use 90mm or 100mm pvc pipe with joiners and glue to make a barrier that is one full frame around your panels USING GALVANISED WIRE TO FASTEN THE PVC FRAME IN PLACE TO THE LEGS ON YOUR SYSTEM.. other wise you can use flashing that is designed for some solar panels buy the manufacturer
Naw man you ruin the warranty. Just use extra clips it holds just fine because the liiiiitle lip it has holds it on. Deal with this all the time and Havnt had an issue.
