Solar panel guard

Abstract

Guard 10 for limiting access to the underneath of a solar panel 34. The solar panel guard comprises mesh strip 12 having first end 20, and second end 22. Wires or cords 26 woven through the mesh strip comprise a first end 28 and second end 30. Bracket mount 32 mounts the first end of the mesh strip to a solar panel to allow it to extend downwards from a solar panel edge 36. The mesh strip extends along a perimeter of the solar panel. The first ends of the wires are attached to the bracket mount. Tensioning device 40 attaches at the solar panel edge. The second end of the wires attaches to the tensioning device. The second end of the mesh strip releasably attaches to the tensioning device. The tensioning device controls the tension on the wires, and the mesh strip when attached to the tensioning device.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 5 Examples of the disclosure relate to a solar panel guard. Some relate to a detachable solar panel guard. BACKGROUND 10 Animals residing underneath and installed solar panel and / or debris collecting underneath an installed solar panel can be detrimental for the efficiency and lifespan of the solar panel. It is desirable to efficiently control access to the underneath of an installed solar panel. 15 BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a solar panel guard, comprising: 20           a mesh strip having a width, a length, two long sides, a first end, and a second end; a plurality of wires and / or cords woven through the mesh strip in a direction substantially parallel with the two long sides of the mesh strip, wherein each of the plurality of wires and / or cords comprises a first end and a second end; 25          a bracket mount configured to mount the first end of the mesh strip to a solar panel to allow the width of the mesh strip to extend substantially downwards from an edge of the solar panel and the length of the mesh strip to extend along at least a portion of a perimeter of the solar panel, wherein each of the first ends of the plurality of wires and / or cords is attached to the bracket mount; 30          a tensioning device configured to attach at an edge of the solar panel, wherein: 02 10 23 the second end of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords is attached to the tensioning device; the second end of the mesh strip is configured to be releasably attachable to the tensioning device; and 5                 the tensioning device is configured to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords and, when the mesh strip is attached to the tensioning device, the mesh strip. In some examples, the tensioning device comprises a rotatable cylinder; the second 10 end of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords is attached to the rotatable cylinder; and the second end of the mesh strip is configured to be releasably attached to the rotatable cylinder. In some examples, the tensioning device comprises a handle configured to allow the 15 rotatable cylinder to be rotated to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords and, when the mesh strip is attached to the tensioning device, the mesh strip. In some examples, the mesh strip, in use, defines a movable skirt along the at least a 20 portion of the perimeter of the solar panel. In some examples, the second end of the mesh strip comprises at least one strap, wherein the at least one strap is configured to be releasably attached to the tensioning device. 25 In some examples, the rotatable cylinder comprises at least one protrusion on its surface, wherein the second end of the mesh strip is configured to releasably attach to the at least one protrusion. 30 In some examples, the second end of the mesh strip is moveable along the plurality of wires and / or cords. 02 10 23 In some examples, in use, the mesh strip is configured to concertina when the second end of the mesh strip is moved away from the second ends of the plurality of wires and / or cords. 5 In some examples, the mesh strip comprises at least one of: polymer, metal, and natural fibre. In some examples, the mesh strip comprises polyurethane coated nylon. 10 According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a solar panel comprising a solar panel guard as described herein. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising: manufacturing a solar panel guard as described herein. 15 According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising: using a solar panel guard as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10. 20 According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and 25 permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or 30 computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function and / or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing and / or configured to perform that function and / or action. 02 10 23 BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings 5 in which: FIG. 1 shows an example of a solar panel guard; FIG. 2 shows an example of a solar panel guard; FIG. 3 shows an example of a solar panel guard mounted on a solar panel; 10 FIG. 4 shows an example of a solar panel guard mounted on a solar panel; FIGS. 5A to 5C show examples of a solar panel guard mounted on a solar panel; FIG. 6 shows examples of brackets; and FIG. 7 shows an example of a bracket. 15 The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals 20 are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a solar panel guard 10. 25 In examples, the solar panel guard 10 can be considered a solar panel protector, and / or a solar panel shield, and / or a solar panel skirt and so on. In examples, in use, when the solar panel guard 10 is attached / mounted / connected to 30 a solar panel 34 the solar panel guard 10 is configured to cover at least a portion of a gap between a solar panel 34 and a surface to which the solar panel 34 is mounted. 02 10 23 In examples, the solar panel guard 10, in use, is mounted / attached / connected to at least a portion of a perimeter of a solar panel 34 to cover at least a portion of a gap between the solar panel 34 and a surface to which the solar panel 34 is mounted. In examples, the solar panel guard 10 is configured to attach / mount / connect to at least an edge of a solar panel 34 to prevent access, by, for example, animals, to a space underneath a solar panel 34 when it is installed. In examples, the solar panel guard 10 comprises: a mesh strip 12 having a width 14, a length 16, two long sides 18a, 18b, a first end 20, and a second end 22; a plurality of wires and / or cords 26 woven through the mesh strip 12 in a direction substantially parallel with the two long sides 18a, 18b of the mesh strip 12, wherein each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 comprises a first end 28 and a second end 20; a bracket mount 32 configured to mount the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 to a solar panel 34 to allow the width 14 of the mesh strip 12 to extend substantially downwards from an edge 36 of the solar panel 34 and the length 16 of the mesh strip 12 to extend along at least a portion of a perimeter 38 of the solar panel 34, when each of the first ends 28 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the bracket mount 32; a tensioning device 40 configured to attach at an edge 36 of the solar panel 34, wherein; a second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the tensioning device 40; the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attachable to the tensioning device 40; and the tensioning device 40 is configured to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. Any suitable mesh strip 12 having any suitable form can be used. For example, any generally rectangular mesh material having holes / apertures of any suitable shape, size and / or form can be used. 02 10 23 For example, any suitable mesh strip 12 configured to allow airflow through the mesh strip 12 but to prevent animals, such as birds, from passing through the mesh strip 12 can be used. 5 For example, any suitable mesh strip 12 configured, when located around at least a portion of a perimeter of a solar panel 34 to prevent access to a space between a solar panel 34 and a surface to which the solar panel 34 is located, can be used. 10 In examples, the mesh strip 12 can be considered a mesh band, and / or a mesh ribbon, and / or a mesh skirt and so on. In examples, the mesh strip 12 can be considered a net strip, and / or a web strip, and / or a lattice strip and so on. 15 In examples, the mesh strip 12 is generally rectangular in shape having a width 14 and a length 16, wherein the length 16 is longer than the width 14. In some examples, the length 16 is significantly longer than the width 14. For example, 20 the width 14 of the mesh strip 12 can be configured to cover a distance between an installed solar panel 34 and a surface on which the solar panel 34 is installed and the length 16 can be configured to extend around a portion of the perimeter of the solar panel, for example the whole perimeter of the solar panel 34. 25 In the example of FIG. 1, the mesh strip 12 comprises two long sides 18a, 18b that extend along the length of the mesh strip 12 and a first end 20 and a second end 22 that extend along the width 14 of the mesh strip 12. In examples, the mesh strip 12 can comprise and / or be formed from any suitable 30 material or materials. In some examples, the mesh strip 12 comprises at least one of: polymer, metal, and natural fibre. 02 10 23 In some examples, the mesh strip 12 comprises polyurethane coated nylon. In examples, the mesh strip 12, in use, defines a movable skirt along the at least a portion of the perimeter 38 of the solar panel 34. See, for example, FIGs. 2, 3 and 4. 5 The plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can comprise any suitable wires and / or cords 26. For example, the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can comprise any suitable wires and / or cords 26 configured to be woven through the mesh strip 12 to allow tension to be placed on the wires and / or cords 26 to hold the wires and / or cords 26, and the mesh 10 strip 12, in place. In examples, any suitable combination of at least one wire and / or at least one cord can be used. 15 In examples, a wire can be considered a metal formed into a thin, substantially even thread. For example, a wire can be formed by drawing metal through a hole in a die, such as a steel die. In examples, a cord can be considered a thin, flexible length of twisted strands 20 considered as a commodity. In examples, the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can comprise any suitable metal, and / or any suitable natural material and / or any suitable polymer, 25 and / or any suitable man made material. For example, the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can comprise steel, and / or copper, and / or aluminium, and / or brass, and / or bronze, and / or silver, and / or gold, and / or cotton, and / or Flax, and / or Polypropylene, and / or nylon, and / or hemp, and / or aramid, and / or wool, and / or polyester and so on. 30 In the example of FIG. 1, the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 are woven through the mesh strip 12 in a direction substantially parallel with the two long sides 18a, 18b of the mesh strip 12. 02 10 23 That is, in examples the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 extend along the length 16 of the mesh strip 12 and pass through the mesh strip 12 in an alternating fashion. In examples, the mesh strip 12 is movable relative to the plurality of wires and / or cords 26. For example, when the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 are fixed in place and tension applied to the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 the mesh strip 12 can be moved / slid along the plurality of wires and / or cords 26. For example, the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is movable along the plurality of wires and / or cords 26. In examples, in use, the mesh strip 12 is configured to concertina when the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is moved away from the second ends 30 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26. See, for example, FIGs. 2, 3 and 4. Each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 comprises a first end 28 and a second end 30. In examples, the first end 28 and second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be fixed relative to the mesh strip 12. For example, each of the first ends 28 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be attached to a bracket mount 32 and each of the second ends 30 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be attached to a tensioning device 40. In examples, the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 is attached to the bracket mount 32. In examples, the bracket mount 32 is configured to attach / be mounted on a solar panel 34. Any suitable bracket mount 32 having any suitable form can be used. In examples, any suitable bracket mount 32 configured to fixedly attach / mount the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 to a solar panel 34 can be used. 02 10 23 For example, any suitable bracket mount 32 configured to mount the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 to a solar panel 34 to allow the width 14 of the mesh strip 12 to extend substantially downwards from an edge 36 of the solar panel 34 and the length 16 of the mesh strip 12 to extend along at least a portion of a perimeter 38 of the solar panel 34 can be used. That is, in examples, the bracket mount 32 is configured to mount or attach the mesh strip 12 to a solar panel 34 and to orient the mesh strip 12 such that the width 14 of the mesh strip 12 extends downwards, relative to the upper surface of the solar panel 34, in use, to cover a gap between the edge of the solar panel 34 and a surface on which the solar panel 34 is mounted, and to allow the mesh strip 12 to extend along / around the perimeter of the solar panel 34. See, for example, FIGs 3, 4 and 6A to6H. In examples, the upper surface of a solar panel can be considered the surface of the solar panel that is uppermost when the solar panel is installed. In examples, the bracket mount 32 is configured to attach to a mounting point of the solar panel 34. In some examples, the bracket mount 32 is a custom designed termination bracket either affixed to the solar panel 34 by utilizing standard fixing positions, or affixed directly to the roof, for example, using certified through-substrate fixings. In some examples, the bracket mount 32 can comprise a bent and / or fabricated bracket predominantly made from metal which has fixing holes appropriate to exploit the fixing positions provisioned in the support members typically found on mounted solar panels, such as roof mounted solar panels. In examples, the bracket mount 32 is joined and / or connected and / or attached and / or affixed to the tensioning device 40 with a plate 50 to form a sub-assembly. See, for example, FIGs 2 and 3, 02 10 23 In examples, the sub-assembly can be attached to the solar panel 34 in any suitable way using any suitable method. For example, the sub-assembly can be bolted to the end of the standard support extrusions in this position. In examples, each of the first ends 28 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be attached to the bracket mount 34 in any suitable way. For example, each of the first ends 28 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be attached to the bracket mount 34 using a semi-permanent fixing method such as hoop and loop, loop and peg, retaining peg and receiver popper, clasp or buckle and so on. In examples, the first end of the mesh strip 12 can be attached to the bracket mount 34 in any suitable way using any suitable method. For example, the first end of the mesh strip 12 can be attached to the bracket mount 34 using a semi-permanent fixing method such hoop and loop, loop and peg, retaining peg and receiver popper, clasp or buckle and so on. In examples, the mesh strip 12 will exhibit sufficient friction in interface with the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 so as to be retained without being attached to the bracket mount 32. Accordingly, in examples, the bracket mount 32 can mount the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 to a solar panel 34 via interaction with the plurality of wires and / or cords 26, without the first end of the mesh strip 12 being attached to the bracket mount 34. The tensioning device 40 can comprise any suitable tensioning device 40. For example, the tensioning device 40 can comprise any suitable device configured to attach at an edge 36 of a solar panel 34 and configured to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and the mesh strip 12. For example, the tensioning device 40 can comprise any suitable device configured to be attached to the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and to be releasably attachable to the mesh strip 12 and to move, in any suitable way, to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. 02 10 23 The tensioning device 40 can move in any suitable way to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. 5 For example, the tensioning device 40 can be configured to extend and / or slide and / or rotate and / or pivot and so on in any suitable way to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. 10 In examples, the tensioning device 40 can comprise any suitable camming mechanism configured to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. 15 In examples, the tensioning device 40 can be configured in any suitable way to move the second end of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and the mesh strip, when attached to the tensioning device 40, to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and the mesh strip 12. 20 In examples, the tensioning device 40 can be considered a tension control device, and / or a movement control device, and / or a camming device and so on. The second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be attached to 25 the tensioning device 40 in any suitable way using any suitable method. For example, each of the second ends 30 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 can be attached to the tensioning device 40 using a semi-permanent fixing method such as hoop and loop, loop and peg, retaining peg and receiver popper, clasp or buckle and so on. 30 In examples, the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attachable to the tensioning device 40. The second end of the mesh strip 12, and / or the tensioning device 40 can be configured in any suitable way to allow the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 to be releasably attachable to the tensioning device 40. 02 10 23 In examples, the tensioning device 40 comprises at least one protrusion to allow the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 to be releasably attached to the tensioning device 40. Consequently, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a solar panel guard 10, comprising: a mesh strip 12 having a width 14, a length 16, two long sides 18a, 18b, a first end 20, and a second 22; a plurality of wires and / or cords 26 woven through the mesh strip 12 in a direction substantially parallel with the two long sides 18a, 18b of the mesh strip 12, wherein each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 comprises a first end 28 and a second end 30; a bracket mount 32 configured to mount the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 to a solar panel 34 to allow the width 14 of the mesh strip 12 to extend substantially downwards from an edge 36 of a solar panel 34 and the length 16 of the mesh strip 12 to extend along at least a portion of a perimeter 38 of the solar panel 34, where each of the first ends 28 of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the bracket mount 32; a tensioning device 40 configured to attach at an edge 36 of the solar panel 34, wherein: the second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the tensioning device 40; the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attachable to the tensioning device 40; and the tensioning device 40 is configured to control an amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 123. In examples, the tensioning device 40 is configured to lock in position, to hold the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when attached, the mesh strip 12 at a desired tension. The tensioning device 40 can lock in position in any suitable way. For example, a handle 44 of the tensioning device 40 can lock the tensioning device 40 in position in 02 10 23 interference with the solar panel 34. In some examples an integral clutch ratchet mechanism can be used to lock the tensioning device 40 in position. In examples, the tensioning device 40 comprises a rotatable portion having the second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 attached and to which the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attached. In some examples, the tensioning device 40 comprises a rotatable cylinder 42, the second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the rotatable cylinder 42, and the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attached to the rotatable cylinder 42. By way of example, reference is made to the example of FIG. 2. The example of FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a solar panel guard 10. In examples, the solar panel guard 10 in the example of FIG. 2 can be a solar panel guard 10 as described in relation to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an example of the nature of the mesh of the mesh strip 12. The mesh is not shown in the other figures for the purpose of clarity. In the example of FIG. 2, the first end 20 of the mesh strip 12 is attached / mounted to a solar panel 34 using a bracket mount 32. The first end 28 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the bracket mount 32. In the example of FIG. 2, the second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to a tensioning device 40 and the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is releasably attached to the tensioning device 40. In the example of FIG. 2, the tensioning device 40 and the bracket mount 32 are joined by a plate 50 to form a sub-assembly. 02 10 23 In the example of FIG. 2, the tensioning device 40 comprises a rotatable cylinder 42. In the illustrated example, the second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the rotatable cylinder 42 and the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attached to the rotatable cylinder 42. Consequently, FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a solar panel guard 10 wherein; the tensioning device 40 comprises a rotatable cylinder 42; the second end 30 of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 is attached to the rotatable cylinder 42; and the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to be releasably attached to the rotatable cylinder 42. As can be seen in the example of FIG. 2, the rotatable cylinder 42 can be rotated to move the attachment point(s) of the wires / cords 26 and second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and the mesh strip 12. In some examples, the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 comprises at least one strap 24, wherein the at least one strap 24 is configured to be releasably attached to the tensioning device 40. In the example of FIG. 2, the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 comprises two straps 24 releasably attached to the rotatable cylinder 42 of the tensioning device 40. The use of the at least one strap 24 is advantageous as, for example, it allows the tension on the mesh strip 12 to be lowered before detachment to allow the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 to be detached from the tensioning device 40 more easily. In examples, the rotatable cylinder 42 comprises at least one protrusion on its surface, wherein the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 is configured to releasably attach the at least one protrusion. 02 10 23 In the example of FIG. 2, the plurality of straps 24 are releasably attached to a corresponding protrusion on the surface of the rotatable cylinder 42 of the tensioning device 40. In some examples, the tensioning device 40 comprises a handle 44 configured to allow the rotatable cylinder 42 to be rotated to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. By way of example, reference is made to the example of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a solar panel guard 10. The solar panel guard 10 in the example of FIG. 3 can be a solar panel guard 10 as described in relation to FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 1. However, in the example of FIG. 3, the bracket mount 32 and tensioning device 40 are not joined by a plate 50. In examples, the bracket mount 32 and tensioning device 40 of the example of FIG. 3 can be joined by a plate 50. In the example of FIG. 3, the solar panel guard 10 is mounted at an edge 36 of a solar panel 34 such that the width of the mesh strip 12 of the solar panel guard 10 extends substantially downwards from the edge 36 of the solar panel 34 and the length 16 of the mesh strip 12 extends along at least a portion of the perimeter 38 of the solar panel 34. In the example of FIG. 3, the tensioning device 40 comprises a handle 44 configured to allow the rotatable cylinder 42 to be rotated to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. Accordingly, FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a solar panel guard 10 wherein the tensioning device 40 comprises a handle 44 configured to allow the rotatable cylinder 42 to be rotated to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords 02 10 23 26 and, when the mesh strip 12 is attached to the tensioning device 40, the mesh strip 12. FIG. 4 illustrates a different perspective view of a solar panel guard 10. The solar panel guard 10 in the example of FIG. 4 can be a solar panel guard 10 as described in relation to FIG. 1, and / or Fig. 2, and / or FIG. 3. It can be seen from, for example, the examples of FIGs 2, 3 and 4, that the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 can be moved by the tensioning device 40 to place the mesh strip 12 under tension and to allow the mesh strip 12 to block access to a space underneath a solar panel 34. It can also be seen from the examples of, at least, FIGs 2, 3 and 4, that the second end 22 of the mesh strip 12 can be detached from the tensioning device 40 and moved along the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 to allow access to a space underneath an installed solar panel 34 to, for example, allow any debris that may accumulate in that space to be easily removed without, for example, having to detach the solar panel guard 10 from the solar panel 34. Returning to the example of FIG. 1, in examples, the mesh strip 12 can be configured to extend around the perimeter of a solar panel to prevent animals, such as birds, from accessing a space underneath an installed solar panel 34. In examples, the mesh strip 12 can be mounted to the solar panel 12 at a plurality of mounting points. FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of an example of a solar panel guard 10 mounted around the perimeter of a solar panel 34. The solar panel guard 10 in the example of FIG. 5A can be a solar panel guard 10 as discussed in relation to FIG. 1, 2, 3 and / or 4. In the example of FIG. 5A, the solar panel guard 10 is mounted to the edge of the solar panel 34 using a plurality of brackets 48 to allow the solar panel guard 10 to extend across, and prevent access to, a space underneath the solar panel 34 when the solar panel 34 is installed. 02 10 23 Accordingly, FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a solar panel 34 comprising a solar panel guard 10 as described herein mounted to the solar panel 34. Any suitable bracket 48 can be used. Similarly, any suitable number of brackets 48 5 can be used. In examples, the brackets 48 are configured to mount the solar panel guard 10 to mounting points of the solar panel 34. 10 In examples, the brackets 48 can comprise a bent and / or fabricated bracket predominantly made from metal which has fixing holes appropriate to exploit the fixing positions provisioned in the support members typically found on mounted solar panels, such as roof mounted solar panels. See, for example, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. 15 In examples, the bracket mount 32 can be considered a bracket 48 and vice versa. FIG. 5B illustrates a view of the underside of the solar panel guard 10 and solar panel 34 illustrates in the example of FIG. 5A. 20 FIG. 5C illustrates an example of a perspective view of the example illustrated in the example of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a solar panel guard 10 mounted / attached to a solar panel 34 using brackets 48. See. For example, FIG. 7. 25 FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a bracket 48. In the example of FIG. 7, the bracket 48 mounts the plurality of wires and / or cords 26 to a solar panel 34. The mesh strip 12 is not illustrated in the example of FIG. 7. 30 In the illustrated example, the bracket is attached / mounted to a mounting point of the solar panel 34. In examples, FIG.7 can be considered to illustrate an example of a bracket mount 32. 02 10 23 In examples, there is provided a method comprising: manufacturing a solar panel guard 10 as described herein. 5 In examples, there is provided a method comprising: using solar panel guard 10 as described. Examples of the disclosure are advantageous and / or provide one or more technical benefits. 10 For example, examples of the disclosure provide a solar panel guard 10 that is easily mountable on a solar panel 34. For example, examples of the disclosure provide a solar panel guard 10 that allows for 15 access to a space underneath an installed solar panel without removal of the solar panel guard. This provides, for example, debris that accumulates under the solar panel to be easily removed to prevent, overheating of the solar panel in use. 20 For example, examples of the disclosure provide for an easily mountable solar panel guard that stops birds from accessing and nesting under a mounted solar panel, preventing them being injured and / or trapped. This is also beneficial with regard to preventing damage to a solar panel and with regard to animal protection issues 25 concerning bird nests. For example, examples of the disclosure prevents domestic pets, such as cats, gaining access to the underside of solar panels, which can prevent damage to the solar panels. 30 Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. 02 10 23 The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one...” or by using “consisting”. In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. 02 10 23 Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those 5 features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly 10 indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. 15 The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that 20 perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a 25 characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however 30 those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. 5 Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. 10 l / we claim: 15

Claims

1. A solar panel guard, comprising:a mesh strip having a width, a length, two long sides, a first end, and a5 second end;a plurality of wires and / or cords woven through the mesh strip in a direction substantially parallel with the two long sides of the mesh strip, wherein each of the plurality of wires and / or cords comprises a first end and a second end;a bracket mount configured to mount the first end of the mesh strip to a solar 10 panel to allow the width of the mesh strip to extend substantially downwards from an edge of the solar panel and the length of the mesh strip to extend along at least a portion of a perimeter of the solar panel, wherein each of the first ends of the plurality of wires and / or cords is attached to the bracket mount;a tensioning device configured to attach at an edge of the solar panel,15 wherein:the second end of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords is attached to the tensioning device;the second end of the mesh strip is configured to be releasably attachable to the tensioning device; and20                 the tensioning device is configured to control an amount of tension onthe plurality of wires and / or cords and, when the mesh strip is attached to the tensioning device, the mesh strip.

2. A solar panel guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein:25          the tensioning device comprises a rotatable cylinder;the second end of each of the plurality of wires and / or cords is attached to the rotatable cylinder; andthe second end of the mesh strip is configured to be releasably attached to the rotatable cylinder.

303. A solar panel guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tensioning device comprises a handle configured to allow the rotatable cylinder to be rotated to control the amount of tension on the plurality of wires and / or cords and, when the mesh strip is attached to the tensioning device, the mesh strip.02 10 234. A solar panel guard as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mesh strip, in use, defines a movable skirt along the at least a portion of the perimeter of the solar panel.

55. A solar panel guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second end of the mesh strip comprises at least one strap, wherein the at least one strap is configured to be releasably attached to the tensioning device.10   6. A solar panel guard as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the rotatablecylinder comprises at least one protrusion on its surface, wherein the second end of the mesh strip is configured to releasably attach to the at least one protrusion.

7. A solar panel guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second 15 end of the mesh strip is moveable along the plurality of wires and / or cords.

8. A solar panel guard as claimed in claim 7, wherein, in use, the mesh strip is configured to concertina when the second end of the mesh strip is moved away from the second ends of the plurality of wires and / or cords.

209. A solar panel guard as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mesh strip comprises at least one of: polymer, metal, and natural fibre.

10. A solar panel guard as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mesh strip comprises 25 polyurethane coated nylon.

11. A solar panel comprising a solar panel guard as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10 mounted to the solar panel.30   12. A method comprising:manufacturing a solar panel guard as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to10.

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