Have you ever installed a PV array right to the edge of a roof, then had to install critter guard around it– but there’s no roof surface left to stand on? Working from a ladder can be slow and dangerous, and crawling on the panels is known to cause invisible fractures in the solar cells. The good news is that with a little advance planning, you can avoid this problem entirely. The trick is to pre-install the wire mesh, and we’ve put together a video explaining the process.
Key points:
- Wire mesh C-channels, like those formed by the Slick Tools AG Bender, are structural tubes which can be installed before solar modules are laid on top of them.
- Secure the wire mesh to PV racking (rails) using the Rail Mount Method.
- It is only necessary to pre-install mesh on those few edges where roof access will be cut off after the PV modules are laid. On edges that remain accessible, you may install wire mesh after PV modules are laid (which tends to be a little faster).
- The time savings gained with this technique can help you offer critter guard as a valuable add-on to your PV installation services, without adding too much extra labor time to the job.
- The technique also improves safety by reducing ladder work (assuming you are roped up while on the roof).
We hope this tip saves you a few minutes on those tricky jobs– after all, a few minutes is often the difference between finishing the job, and having to roll the van back the next morning.
What are you and your crew doing to speed up critter guard installation? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.