[RE-wrenches] Rodent/Pigeon/Critter Guards

[Benn Kilburn]

I'm hoping to get some feedback on this topic, as there was none when I posted it back in 2015. 

Our region is seeing more and more problems with pigeons nesting under PV arrays, mostly on new homes in newly developed areas of the city. 
We have been called to some sites that had particularly bad problems with pigeons nesting and pigeon poop covering the roof itself (surprisingly more so that the array, unless it is just the rain washing it off the modules easier than the roof?) and the eavestroughs filled with poop and overflowing onto the ground. 

We really want to nip this issue in the butt since none of us want people associating PV systems with pigeon problems. We have heard that some of these problem houses have a neighbourhood reputation as "the pigeon house". 

Has anyone tried and had success with any of the solutions "other than" the wire mesh and J-hooks??? I'm not confidant that the j-hooks are robust enough to last very long. We often have several on each install that the washer simply will not hold  tight.  
(See the prior post below for some other suggestions)

Thanks!

Benn
SkyFire Energy

> On Jul 22, 2015, at 2:00 PM, Benn Kilburn <benn at skyfireenergy.com> wrote:
> 
> Wrenches,
> I've looked and found a few older threads on the topic but thought it is a good time to refresh our collective info on this as we are getting more requests to install these (and it is also going to be required by code on some systems when our province adopts the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code.  We currently use the 2012 code)
> 
> The issue that we are directly addressing is mostly pigeons hanging out/nesting under rooftop arrays, for now.  I haven't heard of any specific rodent issues in our region.
> 
> I have installed the SnapNRack Edge Screen.  This was on a concrete tile roof so the problem i saw with that was the screen did not contour the tile, leaving a small gap where one tile overlaps the one below it, roughly 25mm (1").  This would not be an issue with keeping out pigeons, but i could imagine that a persistent rodent could squeeze its way thru the small gap.  This would not be an issue on the more common asphalt shingle roofs and i would say it is a solid product. 
> 
> The products i'm aware of are:
> SnapNRack
> Kinetic
> Heyco
> spiffysolar
> solatrim.com
> 
> 
> Kinetic, Heyco, and Spiffy each seem to be basically the same; wire mesh and a j-hook that attaches to the module frame.
> 
> SnapNRack is wire mesh but attaches with a more more robust clip that also provides more vertical support to the mesh. (It was suggested that rodents may be able to push under the mesh when its only supported at the top with j-hooks)
> 
> I've seen the wire mesh installed so that it comes down only as far as the roof, so the height of the mesh is essentially the height from the top of the mod frame to the roof surface, but i have also seen it where the mesh is taller than this and the excess (rather than being trimmed to size) comes down and lays out on the roof in an outward direction.  It was suggested that this may be more of a deterrent to rodents that would otherwise push their way under the mesh if it only comes down to meet the roof.
> Comments/Suggestions?
> 
> The last product mentioned, solatrim, is completely different from the rest. It looks much more solid that the rest and uses a peel-and-stick approach using a 3M adhesive tape.  My first and only initial apprehension with this one is the adhesive.  While 3M makes darn good adhesives, it leaves to question how it will hold up against our seasonal ambient temperature swings of above +30degC to below -40degC.  Their spec sheet states it is good btwn -34.4degC to 149degC. So for me to even try it would not be within the mfgr's specs :(
> 
> What products have you used?  What did you like/dislike about them?
> 
> Cheers,
> Benn Kilburn 
> CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc
> 6706 – 82 Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T6B 0E7
> P: 780-474-8992 | F: 888-405-5843 | www.skyfireenergy.com
>     
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