The popularity of solar energy is also causing more and more homeowners to find that there is a new problem they had not expected to encounter, and that is birds nesting beneath their panels. Although the solar panels are a friendly means of saving money on electricity expenses, they also provide a nice pigeon and bird cover. The result? Bad wiring, droppers, low efficiency, and high maintenance costs.
Here, the use of bird-proof solar panels is necessary. You may already have the undesired feathered friends in your garden, or you may be in anticipation, but either way, investing in a high-quality solar panel bird-proofing solution will secure your investment, improve your power production, and save you the hassles of headaches.
We will discuss the reasons why we should protect against birds, the available options, installations versus the professional installation, and the typical appearance of bird-proofing solar panels.
Why do Birds Nest in Solar Panels?
Solar panels give birds all they seek safety, shade and shelter. The small break between the panel and the roof is ideal in nesting, free of predators and the weather.
Many problems that nesting birds can bring include:
- Droppings accumulate and block sunlight and the efficiency of energy.
- Pieces of debris and feathers, which accumulate on panels and overheat or lead to fire.
- Distrust of noise and hygiene issues caused by nesting flocks.
- Acidic droppings can corrode the frame and wiring.
- Nesting materials have blocked the gutters and drainage systems.
These issues do not just impact the output of the panel, but also cancel your warranty should the damage be associated with bad maintenance. This is the reason why it is important to engage in proactive measures for solar panel bird proofing.
What is Bird Proofing for Solar Panels?
Bird proofing of solar panels entails creating shields and repellents to ensure that birds nest or roost beneath or near the solar panels, but they are not killed in the process. The best approaches are humanistic and aimed at ensuring the flow of air, yet the panels are held in place and are capable of being cleaned or serviced.
Some of the standard solar panel bird proofing measures implemented by contractors and residential owners are:
1. Mesh or Netting Systems
The sides of the solar panels are put up with a stainless-steel or UV-coated mesh to keep the birds out. This is the most prolific and useful solution. It is not easily damaged, it does not react to weather, and it does not disrupt the functioning of the system.
2. Bird Spikes
Spike is attached to the sides of panels or roof ridges so that birds have difficulty in landing or sitting. They are non-dangerous, human, and in most cases they are combined with mesh systems to give the best results.
3. Bird Repellent Gel or Strips
Such detrimental factors cause the surface to be sticky or reflective so that it prevents roosting by birds. Although they are effective in the short term, they are susceptible to wear and tear and need regular replacements as compared to mesh systems.
4. Ultrasonic Bird Repellers
These gadgets produce sound waves that are not pleasant to birds, yet cannot be heard by human beings. They may be used to supplement physical barriers to prevent long-term.
5. Roof Modifications
In case there are nesting areas created in or near the roof edge, nesting areas can be minimized by sealing them with flashing or tiles.
Benefits of Bird Proofing Solar Panels
Bird proofing has short term and long term benefits and it not only secures your panels, but your property as well.
1. Protects Efficiency
A single thin layer of droppings has the potential to block sunlight and can lower the efficiency of your panel by as much as 30 percent. By keeping the birds off, the maximum sunlight should be exposed and the energy production should be constant. Discover more in our blog “Efficiency of Solar Panels: What It Means and Why It Matters.”
2. Precludes Damage and Corrosion
Bird droppings are acidic and may damage metal frames, mounting systems and wiring. Bird proofing develops a shield which blocks the contact and prolongs the life of your system.
3. Minimises Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily cleaning of droppings, nests, and rubbish may be costly. Solar panel bird proof is also cost-efficient as the solar panels will not need regular servicing and cleaning will be done less often. Find out more in “How to Clean Solar Panels.”
4. Improves Hygiene
Mites, fleas, and bacteria that may affect the quality of indoor air may reside in bird nests. It is healthier in your home environment to stop nesting under the panels.
5. Non-Invasive Solution and Humane
The methods of quality bird-proofing solar panels are non-lethal, safe, and does not go against animal protection regulations- the birds will simply be scared and not killed.
Signs You Need Bird Proofing
Wondering if it’s time to act? The following are the indications that your panels are already appealing to birds:
- You hear the chirping or the fluttering of your roof.
- Droppings of birds in your solar system.
- Observable nests or debris beneath panels.
- Poor solar performance due to non-technical reasons.
- Constant cleaning is required even when the weather is normal.
In case you notice these symptoms, act without delay. The more time the birds take to build a nest, the more difficult the task of getting them out will be – and the more you will pay in repair expenses.
Tips on Maintenance Following Bird Proofing
When you have bird-proofed your panels, a little attention will go a long way in helping to keep them so.
- Check twice a year for the presence of loose mesh or holes.
- Harness clean panels 612 times a year to find dirt or droppings.
- Downpipes and check gutters for trapped feathers or leaves.
- Check your energy levels — any sudden decrease may be shading or blockage.
You will be guaranteed long-term performance and relaxation by integrating the preventive maintenance with the solid solar panel bird proofing system.
Check out our guide: Solar Panels Payback & UK Grants
Why Go with Home Energy Guide on Solar Measures to Keep Away Birds?
At Home Energy Guide, we know how important your solar investment is, and how much it is annoying to be bothered by birds. Bird-proofing of solar panels services are offered to:
- Prolonged, rustless, ultraviolet protection.
- Fast, non-invasive, and clean installation.
- Ensure an increase in efficiency and a lower maintenance rate.
- Humanity-based deterrents that exceed the environmental standards.
Each installation that we do is customized to your layout and birds in your neighborhood and therefore it works. Check if you can get a solar grant for your home!
Final Thoughts
The sun is not to be welcomed in your solar panels but to provide power. Investing in solar panels with bird proofing will save your home, optimize your solar power, and get rid of expensive clean-ups and damages.
Regardless of whether you are installing a solar panel birdproofing kit yourself or hiring a professional, it is important to tackle this problem at the beginning. Things that will save you thousands of dollars later are a small investment now.
Therefore, when you see pigeons or litter falling on your panels, you should do something about it. Call Home Energy Guide to the rescue and have a professional advise you, do a free inspection and a custom-made solar panel bird proofing system that keeps your panels clean, secure, and efficient all year round.
