[RE-wrenches] squirrel problems

[Conrad Geyser]

Kirk,

We had a very similar experience at one site.  Amazing how they chew every
single wire.  Maybe they chew until they get a zap.  Our best idea is for a
perimeter guard made from marine trap welded mesh.  This stuff is really
durable and stiff.  Google Riverdale Mills.  If you're travelling to Cape
Cod I have a ton of it around.

Conrad

Cotuit Solar

 

  _____  

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Kirk
Herander, VSE
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 1:20 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] squirrel problems

 

I just had to rewire an array because of squirrel damage. They chewed the
insulation off of the use-2 on almost every panel within 2 inches of the
j-box. This was discovered because the inverter GFI kept intermittently
tripping, so one of the uninsulated positive leads must have shorted to the
grounded array frame, verified by measurements and arcing.  At least the GFI
did its job.... We found a massive nest underneath the array. And I just got
another call from a customer with the same issue, although we don't know yet
if damage has happened. Both these arrays are mounted on Unirac Solarmount,
parallel to and stood off from the roof about 6 inches. I'm thinking of
skirting the perimeter of the array with a metal mesh of some sort. Any
other ideas? Thanks. Most likely they will come back if I do nothing.

 

Kirk Herander

Vermont Solar Engineering

802.863.1202

NABCEP(tm) Certified Solar Installer

NYSERDA-eligible Installer

VT Solar Incentive Program Partner

 

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