EN3RGY SOLUTIONS
Possum Knocks Out Solar: When Wildlife Becomes a Solar Hazard
Spring is a busy time for Adelaide’s wildlife, but for one homeowner, a resident possum turned a solar investment into a safety risk. This particular “unwelcome guest” took up residence directly underneath the solar panel array, using the sheltered space as a nesting site.
The result? The possum chewed through the high-voltage DC cabling, disabling the entire system and creating a significant electrical fire risk. At Sharpe Trade Services, our trusted and experienced in-house technicians were called to the scene to isolate the system, perform the “detective work” required to find the damage, and make the property safe.
The Danger Under the Panels
Solar panels provide a perfect “artificial cave” for vermin—it’s warm, dry, and protected from predators. However, animals and electricity are a dangerous mix.
- Chewed Insulation: Rats, mice, and possums have teeth that never stop growing. They gnaw on the tough plastic insulation of solar cables to file their teeth down, exposing live copper wires to the elements.
- The Arcing Risk: When insulation is stripped, the high-voltage DC current can “arc” (jump) across to the metal racking or the roof itself. In the presence of dry nesting materials like leaves and sticks, this is a major fire hazard.
- Corrosion & Hygiene: Nesting debris traps moisture against your roof and the back of your panels, leading to premature corrosion and potential “Isolation Faults” after rain.
How to Spot a “Wildlife Fault”
Because your panels are on the roof, you might not see the damage until it’s too late. Watch for these red flags:
- “Isolation Fault” or “Earth Fault” on Inverter: This often means a cable has been stripped and is touching the metal racking or a damp roof.
- Sudden Drop in Production: If your system is generating significantly less power than usual on a sunny day, a string of panels may have been disconnected by a chewed cable.
- Physical Debris: If you see sticks, straw, or animal droppings protruding from under your panels, you likely have a nesting issue.
The Sharpe Solution: Vermin Proofing
Since 1970, we have been serving generations of the same household families. We don’t just fix the cables; we help prevent the guests from returning. Our techs can install stainless steel solar mesh around the perimeter of your array. This creates a physical barrier that prevents birds and possums from getting under the panels while still allowing for vital airflow.
Every repair we perform is backed by a 10-year job warranty and a Certificate of Compliance, ensuring your system meets the latest safety standards.
FAQ
Possums are a protected species in South Australia. It is illegal to harm them or move them more than 50 metres from where they were caught. Our role is to repair the electrical damage and install barriers (like mesh) to humanely prevent them from re-entering the area under your panels.
Rainwater acts as a conductor. If a possum has chewed the insulation off a wire, the moisture allows the electricity to leak to the “earth” (your roof). The inverter detects this imbalance and shuts down for safety.
Yes. We provide clear upfront quotations and offer flexible payment options through our partners Brighte, Humm, and Handypay.
During our standard Monday to Friday business hours, we aim to be at your door within 3 hours. Please note that we do not operate on weekends or public holidays.
