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When investing in solar panels for your home in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta, one detail that often gets overlooked is critter protection. You may have heard terms like solar critter guard, rodent guard, or pigeon guard — but what exactly are they, and are they worth it? At Solar YYC, we believe in setting up solar systems that last — and that means protecting them from the most unexpected threats: animals. What Is a Solar Critter Guard? A solar critter guard (also called a rodent guard or pigeon guard) is a durable wire mesh that is installed around the edges of your rooftop solar array. Its main job is to keep out unwanted guests — usually birds and rodents — that try to nest underneath your panels. Without this guard, animals like pigeons, squirrels, and even magpies can squeeze under the panels and cause serious problems. These aren’t just annoyances — they can cause real, costly damage. Common Issues Without a Critter Guard – Chewed wiring – Rodents can gnaw on solar panel wiring, leading to power disruptions or full system outages. – Roof damage – Nesting animals displace shingles, clog eavestroughs, and create long-term water damage. – Pigeon waste buildup – Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but highly corrosive and unsanitary. – Noise and nuisance – Nesting birds can create ongoing noise problems and mess around the property. All of these issues can drastically shorten the lifespan of your solar system or even void manufacturer warranties. Why We Recommend Critter Guards in Alberta In Southern and Central Alberta, the climate and architecture provide ideal nesting opportunities for pigeons and squirrels. Urban areas like Calgary and Edmonton see especially high bird activity, while rural properties often deal with rodents climbing up onto rooftops. That’s why we recommend a solar critter guard for nearly every rooftop solar installation. It’s a low-cost addition that provides long-term peace of mind. At Solar YYC, we install rodent guards on many new residential systems by default, and we offer retrofit pigeon guard installation for existing solar arrays as well. It doesn’t matter who installed your solar panels — we’re happy to add critter guard protection to any system, even if it wasn’t installed by us. We regularly work on third-party systems, including homes built by Jayman BUILT and Mattamy Homes, where solar panels came standard. Whether your system is brand new or several years old, we can help protect it from animal damage. Cost of Installing a Solar Critter Guard The cost of a rodent guard for solar panels depends on your system size and roof layout, but most homeowners in Calgary and Edmonton can expect: – Typical Price Range: $500-$1,500 – Retrofit Installation: Slightly higher due to access and setup time – New System Install: Often included or discounted when installing solar with Solar YYC Compared to the potential cost of repairs — or replacing damaged solar panels — a critter guard is an easy decision. Can I Add One to My Existing Solar System? Absolutely. If your system wasn’t originally protected with a pigeon guard, it’s not too late. Our team can safely install a guard without disturbing your current setup. Most retrofits are completed in just a few hours. We serve all of Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding Alberta communities. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? For most Alberta homeowners, yes. A solar critter guard is one of the most affordable ways to protect your solar investment. Whether it’s birds nesting under your panels in Edmonton or squirrels chewing wires in Calgary, this simple mesh can prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage.Interested in protecting your solar system? Contact Solar YYC today for a free quote on pigeon guard or rodent guard installation in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta — no matter who installed your panels.