[RE-wrenches] Rodent/Pigeon/Critter Guards

Thu Jun 22 08:33:20 PDT 2017

Hello Benn,

We have been addressing this issue here in Colorado for quite some time and
have had great success with our methodology(3000+ critter guards=no
failures yet). We utilize a specific wire mesh that is a little more rigid
than most available online. We take time to prep the material so that it
has a tight fit between the modules and roof. For example, the gap is 4".
We will bend 2" in on either side so that the material is in the shape of a
"C" with the long, flat side being 4". We then cut to fit each piece of
mesh and mostly rely on fastening to the racking system with a stainless
self-drilling screw/washer combo. With diagonal cutters, installers can
easily cut a flange in the mesh and drill through this at that attachment
point. We also reinforce the mesh where needed with a Spiffy clip(Heyco
clips were loose on service calls where Spiffy clips were still
surprisingly strong). If you are using a rail less system, more panel
specific clips are necessary. Simply rolling out mesh and using j-hooks is
not a great method and I have stumbled on many systems failed using this
method.

I wouldn't completely write off the mesh/j-hook combo but perhaps take a
look at a different methodology and incorporate fastening to the rail
system. Price is another thing to consider. Our installers can quickly
install a critter guard using this methodology and it only utilizes a few
expensive custom clips vs. a higher quantity of cheaper yet sufficient
fasteners.

I have primarily focused on service calls in Colorado, and a surprising
amount of calls are related to either rodents or pigeons. This is a very
easy headache to avoid upfront and the cost of mesh and a few fasteners is
far less than a future truck roll. Feel free to reach out to me off the
list for more info as I feel we have a good track record with this specific
topic.

*Kyle Lord*
Co-Owner & Founder
Reconnect Solar, LLC
Reconnect Material & Supply, LLC
NABCEP Certified Installer
970.485.0207
kyle at reconnectsolar.com

On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 11:07 AM, Benn Kilburn <benn at skyfireenergy.com>
wrote:

> 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 <(780)%20474-8992> | F: 888-405-5843 <(888)%20405-5843> |
> www.skyfireenergy.com
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>
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>
>
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