Open range and state park land next door

Solar Panel Repair in Catalina, AZ

Keeping nests, dust and chewed wiring from cutting your array's output.

Free estimate, with the problem traced and explained before any work is priced
Itemized written quote: parts, labor, roof work and permit fees on separate lines
Utility paperwork and city or county permits handled where the job requires them

Solar Next to Open Country

Catalina is a small community at about 3,123 feet, with Catalina State Park to the south and the Biosphere 2 site to the north, and solar panel repair here often comes back to the open land around it. Much of the area's history is tied to the Golder Ranch: Lloyd Golder III bought the 18,000-acre Rail N. Ranch in 1959, and it still operates as an active open-range ranch. Homes bordering ranch land and park land see more birds, rodents and dust than a typical city lot.

Birds and rodents under the array

The gap between panels and roof is shaded, sheltered and warm in winter. Birds build nests there, and rodents follow. Nesting debris holds moisture against the roof and can block drainage. Rodents may chew solar cable, which can trigger a ground fault and shut the system down.

Our critter guard process

Remove nests and debris from under the array
Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors
Clean droppings off the panels and roof surface
Install galvanized or coated mesh around the array perimeter, clipped to the panel frames
Leave enough clearance for airflow so the panels do not run hotter

No new holes go into the roof for the guard itself.

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Dust from dirt roads and dry months

Outside the monsoon, rain is scarce, and dust from unpaved roads and open range settles on glass. A layer of grime can noticeably lower output. We clean with soft brushes and purified water, avoiding pressure washers and harsh chemicals. If droppings have baked onto a panel, we remove them carefully, since those spots can create hot spots on cells.

A dam that was never used

From 1961 to 1964 Golder built the Golder Dam, later declared unsafe, and the lakeside community he planned, Lago del Oro, was never built. The result is a community that stayed small, with 7,551 residents and 3,427 housing units in 2020. Catalina is unincorporated, so Pima County handles permits for any larger change.

After the storms

Monsoon winds carry debris and loosen wire clips. A fall inspection paired with a cleaning keeps the array in shape for the sunny winter months. Call (520) 412-6946 to book a visit.

Catalina Background

Elevation and neighbors. Catalina sits at about 3,123 feet, with Catalina State Park to the south and the Biosphere 2 site to the north.
Ranch history. Lloyd Golder III bought the 18,000-acre Rail N. Ranch in 1959; it remains an active open-range ranch.
Unbuilt lake town. The Golder Dam, built 1961 to 1964, was later declared unsafe, and the planned Lago del Oro lakeside community was never built.
Size. The 2020 census counted 7,551 residents and 3,427 housing units across about 14 square miles.

Solar Battery Troubleshooting in Tucson, AZ

Our Services in Catalina, AZ

Catalina Questions

Will mesh around my panels make them run hotter?

Not if it is installed correctly. The guard closes the perimeter but leaves the space under the panels open, so air still moves through.

How do I know if birds are nesting under my panels?

Look for twigs and feathers at the panel edges, droppings on the roof below, and noise in the morning. A dip in production from one section can also be a clue.

Can droppings damage my panels?

Droppings that sit on glass shade cells and can cause hot spots over time. Cleaning them off promptly prevents that.

Free Estimates in Catalina, AZ

Critter guard and cleaning estimates in Catalina.

Call (520) 412-6946 Free Estimate