squirrels ate my solar panels!

luna_moonflower

This is a slightly ridiculous situation and you’d be forgiven for laughing, as my colleagues have shamelessly done.

We bought solar panels a few years ago, which recently completely stopped working. Today we found out that squirrels have eaten through all the wiring! This wasn’t mentioned as a hazard at the point of sale, and would DEFINITELY have influenced our decision to purchase as we have an active squirrel colony at the bottom of our garden, in our veg patch etc. I am trying to ascertain whether we have any recourse for compensation, even if that meant having them removed with a full refund. They are being repaired today at great expense (£1400) but with no additional protection, which I find incredible. A quick google has shown that it’s a common problem and that protective options are available. I really don’t know how to find out our rights.

Thanks in advance,
Lou

Enterprise_1701C

I don't know if you have any recourse, but we do telecoms and tv cabling and it is not uncommon to find cabling eaten by squirrels/rats/mice.

You can use reinforced cabling, and there is reinforced ducting you can use too.

Did they ask if you have problems with pests like that when they fitted it?

I am slightly surprised at the cost of the replacement for the wiring though.

Stevie_Palimo

The Solar Company could not foresee damage caused by squirrels and as for claiming anything here you have a very slim chance tbh, Also most home insurance will probably not cover this either so the onus will more than likely fall on you to cover the costs.

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.


Your query might get a better response in the Green and Ethical section of MSE Forum. There are many contributors with solar panels and they might have come across a similar situation.




I assume much of the £1,400 will be to get a scaffold erected??

Smiley_Dan

£1400 to get some wires replaced? My eyebrow is raised.

We do have some pest-PV-problems too. Crows like building nests under the panels. Make a right racket in the morning during the Spring.

luna_moonflower

thanks folks for your replies. Yeah, the cost includes scaffolding and two new panels where they had chewed too close to the panel to be able to replace the wiring. £1400 plus VAT, I might add. Sigh.

footyguy

luna_moonflower wrote: »

This is a slightly ridiculous situation and you’d be forgiven for laughing, as my colleagues have shamelessly done.

We bought solar panels a few years ago, which recently completely stopped working. Today we found out that squirrels have eaten through all the wiring! This wasn’t mentioned as a hazard at the point of sale, and would DEFINITELY have influenced our decision to purchase as we have an active squirrel colony at the bottom of our garden, in our veg patch etc. I am trying to ascertain whether we have any recourse for compensation, even if that meant having them removed with a full refund. They are being repaired today at great expense (£1400) but with no additional protection, which I find incredible. A quick google has shown that it’s a common problem and that protective options are available. I really don’t know how to find out our rights.

Thanks in advance,
Lou

You might receive a couple of acorns if you can identify the errant squirrel(s) and get them before a judge

As for the repair, what did you order? If you didn't order reinforced cabling or other protection, that would probably explain why none is being supplied.

luna_moonflower

they said they don't install protected cabling. Gits.

Have just confirmed that we're not covered for damage by vermin. Gah. Next time I think about saving the world I think I'll just sign a petition rather than investing my life savings!

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

An ex-colleague of mine used to shoot them, then roast them/give them away as gifts. If you're in the Oxford/Abingdon area PM me if you like.

luna_moonflower

hahaha! Now that is a tempting offer! We're in Nottingham though.