How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Solar Panels

While you are diligently investing money into your commercial property and renewable energy, your solar installation might be multi-tasking as a warm and sheltered nesting spot for opportunistic raccoons.

A steady increase in urban raccoon population is leading to business owners reporting more and more wildlife on roofs and under solar panels. This article will explore the reasons behind raccoon infestations under or around solar panels in both homes and commercial buildings in the GTA and what to do about them. When it comes to raccoon removal from solar panels, remember that there is only one company in Toronto and the GTA that offers a truly permanent solution - unlike trapping and relocating: Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control.

Why Do Solar Arrays Attract Raccoons?

The answer to this question is two-fold: Residential solar installations are usually mounted only 2-3 inches above the roof, so raccoons cannot fit under there. But, raccoons will still seek out solar arrays on sloped roofs to exploit the structural weakness created by the mounting brackets and to access the attic. On commercial roofs, solar arrays have a much larger gap between the roof and solar panels, so raccoons can actually use the space between as a shelter.

• The Thermal Advantage (Year-Round)
  Solar panels act like a thermal blanket. They absorb massive amounts of sun/heat, and the space between the panel and the roof traps that heat, creating an ideal, insulated micro-climate critical for survival during freezing winter nights and extreme summer heat.
  
  
• Safety and Seclusion
  The tight space and height offer perfect protection from ground-dwelling predators and human disturbance, making it a preferred location for birthing and nesting.
  
  
• Easy Access
  Raccoons can use nearby trees, perimeter roof edges, or downspouts to gain access to the roof, then slide directly under the panels where they are completely hidden.
  
  
• Proximity to Food Sources
  Garbage bins, compost, bird feeders, and nearby gardens provide a tasty buffet for resourceful raccoons.
  
  

Types of Properties Affected by Raccoons

The problem of raccoons around solar panels becomes more pronounced during the colder months as animals seek warmth and protection from the elements.

Residential Properties

• Detached homes and townhouses;
• Rural properties with solar panels;
• Raccoons seek to gain access to the attic through the roof and by exploiting potential weaknesses created by the solar panel mount.
  
  

Commercial & Industrial Properties

• Warehouses, factories, and retail stores with rooftop solar systems;
• Commercial buildings with large flat roofs are at greater risk due to panel quantity and hidden spaces;
• Raccoons will build nests (called dens) in the space between the solar panel and roof.
  
  

Signs of Raccoons Under or Around Solar Panels

• Scratching, thumping, or movement noises, particularly at night;
• Damaged wiring or insulation beneath panels;
• Feces and urine accumulation on rooftops;
• Visible claw marks on pipes or other access ways to the roof;
• Loose or shifted panels;
• Debris or nesting materials visible under panels or near gutters,
• Reduced solar efficiency due to wiring damage.
  
  

Damages Caused by Raccoons in Solar Installations

• Destruction of Critical Wiring
  Raccoons chew on the exposed DC wiring and cable conduits that run beneath the panel, leading to shorts, ground faults, arcs, energy production loss, and a significant fire hazard on the roof.
  
  
• Corrosion of Racking and Components
  Raccoon urine and feces accumulate on the roof and metal racking system. This acidic waste accelerates metal corrosion, damaging aluminum frames, mounting clamps, and eventually degrading the panel backing sheets and potentially voiding the roof membrane warranty.
  
  
• Warranty and Insurance Nullification
  Many manufacturers' warranties (covering the panels) and installers' warranties (covering the roof membrane) may be rendered null and void if damage is caused by pest intrusion or unapproved modifications. The property owner then bears the full cost of repair and replacement.
  
  
• Clogged Drainage
  Raccoons push nesting debris into roof drains or gutters, causing water backup onto the roof, which can freeze and lead to structural leaks into the building below.
  
  
• Health & Safety
  Raccoon feces contains parasites and bacteria including roundworm and leptospirosis and requires professional handling.
  
  

Why Winter Makes the Problem Worse

• The first two weeks of snowfall are the most critical time of year., as raccoons scramble to find suitable shelter.
• Panels stay warmer than surrounding roof areas.
• Less human activity on rooftops allows raccoons to nest undisturbed.
• Ice and snow limit visibility, hiding damage until spring.
• Pregnant females may choose solar panels on commercial roofs (particularly flat roofs) as den sites for birthing in late winter/early spring.
  
  

Inspection and Access Challenges

• It may be difficult to detect raccoon presence under solar arrays.
• Risks of DIY inspections include working at heights, electrical hazards, and roof damage.
• Raccoon control for solar panels requires professionals trained in both wildlife control and rooftop safety.
  
  

How to Remove Raccoons from Solar Panels

• Initial Thermal Inspection:
  If undetectable with the naked eye, professionals may use thermal imaging cameras to confirm the den by detecting body heat escaping from beneath the array, allowing for targeted removal.
  
  
• The Flawed Alternative (Relocation)
  The thermal incentive around solar arrays is so high that a raccoon will either immediately return or be replaced by another animal, causing recurring damage to the high-value system.
  
  
• The Hawkeye Permanent Guarantee:
  Hawkeye is uniquely licensed in the GTA for permanent raccoon removal (humane euthanasia). This is the only way to guarantee that the specific animal and the high-stakes threat it poses to the electrical system are eliminated immediately. Permanent removal ensures that the captured animal will never return to your roof.
  
  
• Permanent Exclusion Strategy
  The necessary final step involves installing robust, specialized metal exclusion skirting or mesh barriers around the entire perimeter of the solar array, physically blocking all access beneath the panels while allowing airflow. This is also a fantastic way to keep out gulls in the summer months.
  
  

Raccoon Prevention Tips for Property Owners

For Homeowners:

• Restrict roof access as best as you can. This may include trimming nearby trees or branches and installing Electric Shock Tracks on fences or across the roofline. Note: Shock tracks are a three-season solution, so they will not work once covered with snow and/or ice.
• Keep all potential food sources including garbage bins and compost sealed.
• Inspect panel edges and mounts before winter.
• Install protective barriers or wire mesh to close off space between panels and roof.
  
  

For Commercial Properties:

• Install heavy-duty wire mesh barriers to cut off access between solar panels and roof.
• Schedule quarterly rooftop inspections.
• Include wildlife checks in solar maintenance contracts.
• Train facility staff to report droppings or unusual noises.
  
  

FAQs: Raccoons in/around Solar Panels

Q: Will the raccoons damage the glass panels themselves?

A: Raccoons may scratch the glass panels with their sharp claws, yes. This is more of an issue on flat roofs and horizontal solar installations.

Q: What’s the safest way to remove raccoons from rooftop solar arrays?

A: Professionals will strategically set traps and remove the raccoons. Ideally, the animal will not be released within one km and not allowed to return.

Q: Can raccoon damage void my solar system warranty?

A: Yes, unfortunately, wildlife damage to your solar panels can impact your warranty. Check with your manufacturer and installer.

Q: Are solar panel mesh guards effective against raccoons?

A: Yes, if installed properly, they do offer pretty robust protections against raccoons and other wildlife, including pest birds (seagulls). They do require regular inspection to ensure that remain securely in place.

Q: What should I do if I suspect raccoon droppings near my panels?

A: Inspect the attic for a potential breach and contact a professional raccoon removal specialist.

Q: Is raccoons nesting on solar rooftops a problem?

A: Yes, solar arrays on commercial buildings may house a young family of raccoons during the birthing season. This will be in the very last weeks of winter and early spring.

Q: Why is professional removal recommended for solar systems?

A: The biggest hurdle to removing raccoons from roof installations is the height of the roof. Professionals are trained and insured and will ensure that your solar array and your roof are not damaged in the process.

Q: Is it dangerous to clean raccoon feces off the solar panels myself?

A: You should never handle raccoon feces yourself, if at all possible. A number of pathogens are present in raccoon droppings and removal requires stringent safety protocols.

Q: What is the cost difference between removal and repair versus prevention (exclusion)?

A: This is impossible to answer with numbers because it depends on the size of the roof and solar installation, number of animals on the roof, and the damage present. Common sense dictates that prevention is always better than removal and repair, though. Once you've had issues on your roof, it is definitely necessary to proactively prevent further solar panel raccoon infestations.

Q: Will simple plastic bird netting keep raccoons out?

A: No, plastic netting will not keep raccoons out. Raccoons are not only smart and resourceful, but also surprisingly strong. To keep raccoons at bay, you'll need heavy duty wire mesh. Added bonus: It will also keep other wildlife and pest birds out, making it a decent overall solar panel pest control option.

Raccoon Removal Services in the GTA: Protect Your Rooftop Solar Panel Array

Raccoon infestation is one of the greatest wildlife threats to solar arrays. Due to the high cost of electrical damage and warranty risk, only a swift, permanent removal solution coupled with professional exclusion will protect your investment.

Protect your panels and property from fire risk and financial loss. Contact Hawkeye today for a guaranteed permanent removal solution for your solar array. Hawkeye is the only company that offers permanent raccoon removal in the GTA

Hawkeye's raccoon removal services for solar arrays are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto , Scarborough , Brampton, Vaughan , Markham , Ajax , Pickering , Newmarket , Etobicoke , Oshawa , and Mississauga .