As more Australians embrace solar power to cut energy bills and reduce their environmental footprint, rooftop solar panels have become a familiar sight across the country. But what many homeowners don’t realise is that while solar panels harness the sun, they can also harbour pests, collect debris, and even create fire hazards if not properly protected.
That’s where solar mesh comes in.
In this article, we’ll break down how solar mesh works, what problems it solves, and why it’s a must-have for your home’s solar setup.
What Is Solar Mesh?
Solar mesh, also called solar panel mesh or guards, is a physical barrier installed around the perimeter of your solar panels. Think of it as a fitted skirt that wraps neatly between the panels and the roof surface.
Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh solar mesh kits come in either a steel or aluminium material and are attached to your solar panels using specialised clips that do not cause damage to the solar panels
How Does Solar Mesh Work?
Solar mesh acts as a protective barrier, blocking animals and debris from accessing the gap underneath your solar panels—without affecting system performance.
Here’s what it’s designed to do:
- Deter Birds and Possums
Birds love the warmth beneath panels and often nest there. Possums can take shelter under solar panels too. These intruders can dislodge wires, damage cabling, and leave behind droppings and nesting materials that degrade your system. - Reduce Fire Risk
Dry leaves and debris can gather under panels, especially if your roof is near trees. In bushfire-prone areas, this creates a serious fire hazard. Solar mesh prevents flammable materials from collecting. - Protect Wiring and Infrastructure
Chewed wires from rodents or possums can shut down your entire solar system—and cost thousands in repairs. Mesh provides a physical barrier to safeguard your investment. - Minimise Maintenance Costs
Without protection, you'll need to regularly check under the panels for pest activity or leaf buildup. With mesh in place, you'll enjoy a cleaner, lower-maintenance system.
Why Do I Need Solar Mesh?
If you have rooftop solar panels and:
- You’ve seen birds or possums around your roofline
- You live in a leafy area with overhanging branches
- Your home is in a bushfire-prone region
- You want to protect your solar investment for the long haul
…then yes, you need solar mesh!
It’s a small addition with a big payoff—especially when you compare it to the cost of replacing damaged solar.
How Is It Installed?
Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ offers high-grade solar mesh kits, you can choose from a variety of apertures in steel or aluminium mesh.
- Hooks Under Panels: Custom-designed hooks slide under the solar panel extrusion without penetrating or damaging the panels themselves. These hooks support the mesh securely in place.
- Locking Clips for a Snug Fit: Once positioned, the mesh is fastened with locking discs that hold the mesh tight.
- Secured to Roof with Specialised Fittings: The lower edge of the mesh is secured to the roof using specialised fittings that are available for a range of roof types.
- Trimmed for Corners & Edges: The mesh is carefully mitred and stitched at the corners, with metal trims added to ensure a clean, professional finish.
- No Screws in Panels, Ever: The system is non-invasive—no screws or drills into your solar panels—preserving both warranty and panel integrity.
Is It Really Worth It?
Yes—and here’s why.
- Replacing damaged solar wiring: Up to $2,000+
- Fixing pest-related panel damage: Varies, but always costly
- Risk of fire damage from dry debris: Potentially catastrophic
- Cost of mesh installation: A fraction of any of the above
Solar mesh is a preventative solution that pays for itself by avoiding expensive repairs and fire risks.
Smart Protection for Solar Smart Homes
If you've already made the smart move to solar, don’t leave your system exposed. Solar mesh is the next logical step to ensure your investment performs efficiently and pest-free—year after year.
Blue Mountain Gutter Mesh™ solar protection kits are available now through Stratco stores across Australia.
👉 Use the Mesh Kit Builder to create your very own solar mesh kit or ask your local Stratco team about our solar mesh kits and secure your solar setup today