solar panel critter nest

What to Do If Animals or Pests Nest Under Your Solar Panels

Discovering that pests have made a home underneath your solar array can be alarming. When critters like squirrels, birds, or rodents find their way into the shaded space beneath your panels, they often chew on exposed wiring, triggering ground-fault errors, system downtime, or serious fire hazards.

The good news is that your system can be safely secured and protected from further damage.

What happens if pests damage your solar wiring? Standard manufacturer warranties typically cover defective hardware components, but they exclude damage caused by pests. To fix the issue, you must hire a certified local service provider to clear the nest, inspect the electrical damage, and install protective barriers.

At Live Oak Energy Systems, we specialize grid-by-grid in the diagnostic repair, maintenance, and optimization of existing solar arrays. Here is how we handle pest remediation:

Step-by-Step: How We Handle a Pest Issue

  1. Look for Warning Signs: Watch for scratching noises, debris accumulating around the panel perimeter, or droppings sliding down the glass.

  2. Clear the Array: We safely remove nesting materials without harming your roof, panels, or electrical components.

  3. Schedule Electrical Diagnostics: Our certified technicians test your electrical lines and isolate any compromised cables.

  4. Add Critter-Guards: We install a physical wire mesh barrier around the perimeter using specialized clips that attach to the panel frames without drilling or voiding warranties.

Why Choose Live Oak Energy Systems?

Most active installation companies focus on speed and new builds, refusing to handle pest remediation due to liability. We focus purely on diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, tracking down hidden wiring issues and installing critter guards safely.

Serving Homeowners Across South Carolina and Georgia

  • The Coastal Empire: Savannah, GA and surrounding communities

  • The Lowcountry Coast: Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, SC

  • The Midlands: Columbia, SC and surrounding areas

Schedule a System Diagnostics Check! 

Don’t let nesting animals compromise your clean energy system. Contact Live Oak Energy Systems today to schedule an inspection, clear out pests, and secure your array with professional critter-guard installation.

SOLAR SYSTEM ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT–PRO

This Solar System Annual Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (the “Company”), and the individual or entity completing checkout (the “Owner”), for the annual maintenance and monitoring of the Solar System (“System”) located at the property address provided at checkout (“Property Address”).

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to perform one (1) comprehensive annual preventative maintenance visit to inspect the System including, but not limited to:

  • Annual System Performance Check

  • Visual System Inspection

  • Inverter Health Check

  • Energy Production Report

  • Significant Wiring & Connection Check

  • Accessible Roof Penetration & Attic Water Intrusion Inspection

  • 24/7 System Monitoring

  • 8% Discount on Repairs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

Any and all repairs or scope of work outside the maintenance included herein, if any, shall only be provided upon the execution of a Project Agreement with Company which will be provided with any quote for repairs after inspections. Company shall not be responsible for any other scope of work without the parties’ execution of a Project Agreement for that certain work. Any and all other work not outlined herein, and included in any executed Project Agreement, shall be performed in accordance with the applicable Project Agreement.

PRICING & AUTO RENEWAL

The pricing and billing frequency (Monthly or Annual) selected by Owner at checkout are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

This Agreement is valid for a 12-month term (“Term”) commencing on the date of first payment. If Owner selects a monthly billing option, payments shall be charged on a recurring monthly basis during the Term. If Owner selects an annual billing option, payment shall be made in full at the commencement of the Term.

This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at cancellations@liveoakenergysystems.com of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Roof Integrity: This Agreement covers the solar equipment only; it does not cover the maintenance or repair of the underlying roof surface.

Force Majeure: Contractor is not responsible for damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., hail, lightning, extreme wind) but is available by separate agreement to assist in documentation for insurance claims.

AUTHORIZATION

The Owner agrees to provide safe access to the roof and electrical main panels during the scheduled service window.

The Owner agrees to have active internet/WiFi on-site. The site’s internet connectivity may affect certain provisions of this Agreement.

At the 1st service visit, Live Oak Energy Systems will assess the system’s ability to connect to the internet. If needed, Live Oak Energy Systems will provide a separate scope of work and Project Agreement for such connections.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT, SEVERABILITY, AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement represents and contains the entire agreement between the parties. Prior discussions or verbal representations by the parties that are not contained in this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement. All modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and be signed by both parties to be enforceable. The determination by any court or body that any section of this Agreement is unenforceable shall have no effect on the remaining portions of this Agreement and shall be considered by both parties to be legal and binding.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement is entered into under the laws of South Carolina, and the laws of this state shall apply to any actions taken under this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Company shall only be liable to Client for any amounts paid to Company for the Scope of Services provided herein. In no event shall Company be liable for any defects or damages that exist prior to the Scope of Work provided herein. Company shall not be liable for any pre-existing condition of the System. Any and all other work provided under a Project Agreement shall be done pursuant to that Project Agreement which will supersede this Agreement.

EXECUTION

This Agreement may be executed in separate parts or portions by facsimile, e-mail, electronic transmittal or any other form of electronic transference, but each party shall attain a fully executed copy for their records. It is understood that each Party may execute this Agreement individually, and all copies signed shall be considered one document for purposes of the parties and this Agreement.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box and completing payment at checkout, the Owner acknowledges that they have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein. This Agreement shall become effective upon Owner’s completion of payment. Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC is bound by this Agreement upon issuance and performance of the services described herein.

SOLAR SYSTEM ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT–STARTER

This Solar System Annual Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (the “Company”), and the individual or entity completing checkout (the “Owner”), for the annual maintenance and monitoring of the Solar System (“System”) located at the property address provided at checkout (“Property Address”).

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to perform one (1) comprehensive annual preventative maintenance visit to inspect the System including, but not limited to:

  • Annual System Performance Check

  • Visual System Inspection

  • Inverter Health Check

  • Energy Production Report

  • 24/7 System Monitoring

  • 5% Discount on Repairs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

Any and all repairs or scope of work outside the maintenance included herein, if any, shall only be provided upon the execution of a Project Agreement with Company which will be provided with any quote for repairs after inspections. Company shall not be responsible for any other scope of work without the parties’ execution of a Project Agreement for that certain work. Any and all other work not outlined herein, and included in any executed Project Agreement, shall be performed in accordance with the applicable Project Agreement.

PRICING & AUTO RENEWAL

The pricing and billing frequency (Monthly or Annual) selected by Owner at checkout are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

This Agreement is valid for a 12-month term (“Term”) commencing on the date of first payment. If Owner selects a monthly billing option, payments shall be charged on a recurring monthly basis during the Term. If Owner selects an annual billing option, payment shall be made in full at the commencement of the Term.

This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at cancellations@liveoakenergysystems.com of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Roof Integrity: This Agreement covers the solar equipment only; it does not cover the maintenance or repair of the underlying roof surface.

Force Majeure: Contractor is not responsible for damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., hail, lightning, extreme wind) but is available by separate agreement to assist in documentation for insurance claims.

AUTHORIZATION

The Owner agrees to provide safe access to the roof and electrical main panels during the scheduled service window.

The Owner agrees to have active internet/WiFi on-site. The site’s internet connectivity may affect certain provisions of this Agreement.

At the 1st service visit, Live Oak Energy Systems will assess the system’s ability to connect to the internet. If needed, Live Oak Energy Systems will provide a separate scope of work and Project Agreement for such connections.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT, SEVERABILITY, AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement represents and contains the entire agreement between the parties. Prior discussions or verbal representations by the parties that are not contained in this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement. All modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and be signed by both parties to be enforceable. The determination by any court or body that any section of this Agreement is unenforceable shall have no effect on the remaining portions of this Agreement and shall be considered by both parties to be legal and binding.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement is entered into under the laws of South Carolina, and the laws of this state shall apply to any actions taken under this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Company shall only be liable to Client for any amounts paid to Company for the Scope of Services provided herein. In no event shall Company be liable for any defects or damages that exist prior to the Scope of Work provided herein. Company shall not be liable for any pre-existing condition of the System. Any and all other work provided under a Project Agreement shall be done pursuant to that Project Agreement which will supersede this Agreement.

EXECUTION

This Agreement may be executed in separate parts or portions by facsimile, e-mail, electronic transmittal or any other form of electronic transference, but each party shall attain a fully executed copy for their records. It is understood that each Party may execute this Agreement individually, and all copies signed shall be considered one document for purposes of the parties and this Agreement.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box and completing payment at checkout, the Owner acknowledges that they have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein. This Agreement shall become effective upon Owner’s completion of payment. Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC is bound by this Agreement upon issuance and performance of the services described herein.

SOLAR SYSTEM ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT–ELITE

This Solar System Annual Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (the “Company”), and the individual or entity completing checkout (the “Owner”), for the annual maintenance and monitoring of the Solar System (“System”) located at the property address provided at checkout (“Property Address”).

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to perform one (1) comprehensive annual preventative maintenance visit to inspect the System including, but not limited to:

  • Annual System Performance Check
  • Visual System Inspection
  • Inverter Health Check
  • Energy Production Report
  • Significant Wiring & Connection Check
  • Accessible Roof Penetration & Attic Water Intrusion Inspection
  • Priority Service Scheduling
  • Pest & Debris Mitigation
  • Annual System Health Report
  • 24/7 System Monitoring
  • 10% Discount on Repairs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

Any and all repairs or scope of work outside the maintenance included herein, if any, shall only be provided upon the execution of a Project Agreement with Company which will be provided with any quote for repairs after inspections. Company shall not be responsible for any other scope of work without the parties execution of a Project Agreement for that certain work. Any and all other work not outlined herein, and included in any executed Project Agreement, shall in accordance with the Project Agreement.

PRICING & AUTO RENEWAL

The pricing and billing frequency (Monthly or Annual) selected by Owner at checkout are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

This agreement is valid for a 12-month term (“Term”) commencing on the date of first payment. If Owner selects a monthly billing option, payments shall be charged on a recurring monthly basis during the Term. If Owner selects an annual billing option, payment shall be made in full at the commencement of the Term.

This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at cancellations@liveoakenergysystems.com
of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Roof Integrity: This agreement covers the solar equipment only; it does not cover the maintenance or repair of the underlying roof surface.

Force Majeure: Contractor is not responsible for damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., hail, lightning, extreme wind) but is available by separate agreement to assist in documentation for insurance claims.

AUTHORIZATION

The Owner agrees to provide safe access to the roof and electrical main panels during the scheduled service window.

The Owner agrees to have active internet/wifi on-site. The site’s internet connectivity may affect certain provisions of this agreement.

At the 1st service visit, Live Oak Energy Systems will assess the system’s ability to connect to the internet. If needed, Live Oak Energy Systems will provide a separate scope of work and Project Agreement for such connections.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT, SEVERABILITY, AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement represents and contains the entire agreement between the parties. Prior discussions or verbal representations by the parties that are not contained in this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement. All modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and be signed by both parties to be enforceable. The determination by any court or body that any section of this Agreement is unenforceable, shall have no effect on the remaining portions of this Agreement and shall be considered by both parties to be legal and binding.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement is entered into under the laws of South Carolina, and the laws of this state shall apply to any actions taken under this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIAIBILTY

Company shall only be liable to Client for any amounts paid to Company for the Scope of Services provided herein. In no event shall Company be liable for any defects or damages that exist prior to the Scope of Work provided herein. Company shall not be liable for any pre-existing condition of the System. Any and all other work provided under a Project Agreement shall be done pursuant to that Project Agreement which will supersede this Agreement.

EXECUTION

This Agreement may be executed in separate parts or portions by facsimile, e-mail, electronic transmittal or any other form of electronic transference, but each party shall attain a fully executed copy for their records. It is understood that each Party may execute this Agreement individually, and all copies signed shall be considered one document for purposes of the parties and this Agreement.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box and completing payment at checkout, the Owner acknowledges that they have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein. This Agreement shall become effective upon Owner’s completion of payment. Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC is bound by this Agreement upon issuance and performance of the services described herein.