Can Birds, Squirrels, or Other Critters Break Solar Panels?

If you’ve ever seen a bird land on your roof—or a squirrel sprint across it—you might’ve had a quick, concerned thought:

“Please don’t tell me that just broke my solar panels.”

Good news: it didn’t.

Solar Panels Are Built for More Than Wildlife

Modern solar panels are made with tempered glass, designed to withstand:

• Hail storms

• High winds

• Flying debris

Compared to those forces, the weight of birds or small animals is insignificant. Simply landing, walking, or hopping across panels won’t damage them.

Panels Aren’t Comfortable Hangout Spots

Solar panels have smooth, flat glass surfaces that aren’t especially appealing to animals.

Most critters don’t linger on them—they pass over them and move on. Panels aren’t warm shelters or soft surfaces, and they don’t attract wildlife in any meaningful way.

Claws, Paws, and Beaks Aren’t a Problem

Another common worry is scratching.

Solar panel glass is extremely hard and impact-resistant. Small animals don’t have the ability to scratch, crack, or damage the surface just by stepping on it.

If panels can handle hail, they can handle a bird.

Solar Systems Are Designed for Real Outdoor Conditions

Solar panels are installed with the understanding that:

• They’ll be exposed to weather

• They’ll experience temperature swings

• They’ll exist in environments where wildlife exists

That’s not a risk—it’s part of standard design.

The Takeaway

Birds, squirrels, and other small animals won’t break your solar panels.

Solar systems are built to live outdoors year-round, and casual wildlife activity is well within what they’re designed to handle. Your panels are tougher than they look—and they don’t create new wildlife problems.

VirginiaSolar.org was created to give Virginia homeowners clear, unbiased information about solar—so decisions are made with confidence, not pressure.

Our Help Desk and resource library are here whenever you want to go deeper or ask questions.