Solar Critter Guard Cost Calculator

About this tool

Thinking about birdproofing, squirrel-proofing, rat-proofing or anything-else-proofing a rooftop solar array? Use this tool to figure out:

  • How much wire mesh and other materials you’ll need,
  • What wire mesh width you need,
  • Which installation/attachment methods are compatible with your array, and
  • How much it will all cost. In fact, you can place an order for everything you need with a single click at the end of the form.

We hope this is helpful whether you’re a homeowner looking to install birdproofing yourself, or a professional installer deciding how much to charge a customer for materials.

The tool is designed to provide materials according to our preferred critter guard installation methods, but the perimeter calculation feature works regardless of your choice of materials/method.

Got questions or gripes feature requests? We’d love to hear from you in the Comments section after the form!

How would you like to specify your solar array size? ?

Use the design tool to quickly mock up your solar array; we'll calculate the perimeter dimensions.

Or, enter your perimeter length directly if you've already measured it.
Use the design tool Enter perimeter length
Enter the total array perimeter length. ?

If you've got multiple sub-arrays on your roof, enter the combined total perimeter length.
feet
...And the horizontal and/or edge lengths. ?

The sides and top/bottom of a solar array can use different attachment types, so these measurements are required to calculate how many fasteners/clips you'll need.

If you don't know these dimensions, we've estimated them for you based on a typical array aspect ratio.
feet
feet

Roof Type
Asphalt Shingle Tile Metal (coming soon)
Roof to array gap ?

Roof to array gap:
Measure the average distance between solar panel frame and roof surface, to the nearest 1/2".

If the gap varies widely, air on the small side. C-channel flanges can expand to fill in extra-wide spots.

If you're measuring over tiles, use the distance from tile peaks to the solar module frame. C-channel flanges can be extended to fill the tile troughs.
inches
Solar Racking System ?

Solar Racking System:

Rail-Based: Rails Protrude: The rails onto which the solar panels are attached extend out from under the solar panels. If this is the case, you'll have the option of using the Rail Mount Method to attach wire mesh directly to the rails.

Rail-Based: Flush Rails: Your system is supported by rails, but they've been cut flush with the outermost solar panels. Screwing mesh to the rail ends is not an option, so we'll provide an alternative attachment method.

Railless: Your PV system doesn't use rails; instead, it has many small attachment points which directly support the solar panels.
Rail-based: rails protrude Rail-based: flush rails Railless
Wire Management ?

Wire Management:

Wires Do Not Obstruct Rail Access: This means you can screw into the rails to attach wire mesh without risking penetrating wires used in the PV system.

Wires Routed Inside Rails or Obstructing Rail Face: If wires are routed inside rails or on an external face (in other words, blocking access from the array perimeter), you can't screw mesh into the middle of a rail.
Wires do not obstruct rail access Wires routed inside rails or obstructing rail face

Pricing Mode ?

Pricing Mode:

Single Job means we'll price the minimum order quantity of any materials you need. I.e. you only need 10 items, but they come in a box of 20; so we'll show you the price for 20.

Professional means we'll price the actual quantity consumed for this job. I.e. you only need 10 items, so we'll show you the price for 10. You'll use the leftovers on your next job.
Single Job Professional
The following methods are compatable with your solar array. Select your preference to view the Bill Of Materials.
Rail Mount Method
Cost: ${{bomTotalForSystem('RMM')}}
Pros:
  • Highly durable; good for snowy and windy climates
  • Best serviceability; mesh is 100% independent from solar panels
  • Can be installed before solar panels to eliminate ladder work
    • Cons:
  • The most time consuming to install
    • CritterBlok
    Cost: ${{bomTotalForSystem('CB')}}
    Pros:
  • Fastest to install
  • Tool-less installation
  • Does not require mesh to spring-fit against roof (more suitable for metal roofs)
    • Cons:
  • Solar panels must be installed prior to wire mesh
    • Hybrid: Vertical RMM / Horizontal CB
    Cost: ${{bomTotalForSystem('H-CB_V-RMM')}}
    Pros:
  • Conserve CritterBlok clips by using them only on horizontal edges of the solar array
  • Save time and material by eliminating Rail Mount "returns"
  • No risk of damaging PV wires by screwing into rails underneath panels
    • Cons:
  • Requires the use of two different fastener types (screws and CritterBlok clips)
    • Hybrid: Horizontal RMM / Vertical CB
    Cost: ${{bomTotalForSystem('H-RMM_V-CB')}}
    Pros:
  • Conserve CritterBlok clips by using them only on vertical edges of the solar array
  • Excellent resistance to snow loading on upper array edges
  • No need to screw into flush-cut rail ends
    • Cons:
  • Requires the use of two different fastener types (screws and CritterBlok clips)

    • Bill of Materials

    Product Required Qty Minimum Order Qty Extended Price
    Pro Mode: excludes leftovers
    {{item.name}} {{item.required_qty}} {{item.base_unit}} {{item.order_base_unit_qty}} {{item.base_unit}}
    {{item.order_package_qty}} {{item.package_unit}} of {{item.qty_in_package}} {{item.base_unit}}     		${{item.order_extended_price.toFixed(2)}} ${{item.used_extended_price.toFixed(2)}}
    BOM Total: ${{bomTotal}}

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    Product Estimated time saved Other benefits Price
    {{item.name}} {{item.time_saved}} {{item.other_benifits}} ${{item.price}}
    Tools Total: ${{recommendedToolsTotal}}

    Comments

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