What You Need to Know About Solar Proofing for Your Home

Solar panels are a smart investment—helping you save on electricity while reducing your carbon footprint. But if you’ve got panels on your roof in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, there’s something you might not have considered yet: pests.

Birds, possums, rats, and even snakes can nest underneath your panels, turning your clean energy system into a potential hazard. That’s where solar proofing comes in.

Here’s what you should look out for when choosing the right solar protection system to keep your panels—and your roof—pest-free.

🐦 1. Birds Nesting Under Panels Is More Than Just Noise

Birds love the warm, sheltered space beneath solar panels. Who would blame them right?  But their droppings are acidic and can:

  • Damage wiring
  • Create fire hazards
  • Reduce panel efficiency

The right solar proofing solution will block off all access to this space using strong, discreet colour matched mesh so to blend in perfectly with your roof colour —without compromising your solar panel’s performance or voiding your solar warranty. You will also still have access to underneath of your solar panels for any potential panel maintenance required down the track.

🐍 2. Snakes and Vermin Love Easy Access

You might be surprised at how common it is to find snakes, rats, or mice under solar arrays—especially if you have overhanging trees or nearby bushland.
Look for vermin proofing mesh that:

  • Is made from locally manufactured powder-coated aluminium or powder coated steel – Plastic mesh just wont last in our sun
  • Has a fine aperture to block small animals
  • Is securely fixed so pests can’t squeeze their way in

🐾 3. Possums Can Cause Costly Damage

Possums are protected in Australia—but they’re also known for chewing cables, damaging panels, and disturbing sleep with their nightly scurrying.
A proper possum proofing setup involves:

  • Sturdy mesh with tight fixings – Aluminium Gutter Guard is best
  • No entry points between the panels and roof
  • Experienced installers who understand possum behaviour

Professional solar protection is key—DIY is risky and can void warranties

🛠️ 4. Choose a System That Lasts

Your panels are designed to last 20+ years. Your solar proofing system should too. Don’t settle for plastic clips or mesh that warps in the heat.
Choose:

  • Aluminium or stainless steel mesh – both powder coated
  • Non-invasive installation (no drilling into your panels)
  • A trusted local provider that offers warranties and support

🌧️ 5. Pair It with Gutter Guard for Complete Roof Protection

If pests are getting under your panels, chances are your gutters are also vulnerable. Gutter Guard works hand in hand with solar protection to:

  • Keep leaves and nesting material out of gutters
  • Stop rodents climbing up downpipes
  • Prevent overflow and water damage in storm season

At Gutter Knight Brisbane, we specialise in solar proofing, Gutter Guard, and vermin proofing, protecting your roof from top to bottom.

Ready to Pest-Proof Your Solar Panels?

Call us on 1300 875 594 or visit gutterknight.com.au to book a free quote. Let us help you keep your solar system running safely, efficiently—and pest-free.