Why is it Important to Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great addition to any home or business, looking to lower their carbon footprint and reduce their energy bills. Nevertheless, they do come with some potential noisy neighbours.

Solar Panels form a perfect warm and safe space for birds, in particular pigeons to nest under. If left untreated, you could be finding an entire family of pigeons nesting under your solar panels. As a result of your new neighbours, your Solar panels could be at risk. Pigeons and other birds, can cause extreme damage to your solar panels.

How Pigeons Can Impact Your Solar System

Pigeons or Birds can have more of an impact on your Solar PV System than you may think. We have broken down the impact into 3 main sections.

1. Birds Are Loud and Messy

You will know when pigeons have begun to nest under your Solar Panels due to the noise that follows them. From scratching, scurrying and chirping, the sleepless nights as a result will begin. This can be both irritating and frustration.

2.Decrease your Solar Panels Efficiency

Pigeon droppings, dirt and mess that begin to cover your Solar Panels, will have an impact on your Solar Panel’s ability to generate Solar energy. By pigeons covering the surface of your solar panels, there will be a decrease in panel performance, and effectiveness. This is especially worrying if you are on a string inverter, as it essentially acts as a form of shading.

3. Pigeons Can Damage your Solar Panels

Pigeons can cause damage to both the exterior and interior components of your solar panels, ultimately damaging your Solar investment. Pigeon droppings contain high levels of acidity, which can cause erosion to wires, and even damage the surface of your solar panels. Birds can also bite through the wires, and scratch the surface of your solar panels causing your system to loose its ability to generate power.

Sounds worrying doesn’t it? That is why it is best practice to pigeon proof your solar panels before the problem arises.

What Is Pigeon Proofing

As Solar Panels are a costly longterm investment, it is important that they are well maintained, and that you are using them to their full potential. Pigeon or Bird proofing is the process of installing a barrier around the perimeter of your Solar Panels to prevent pigeons from gaining access underneath. As the pigeons will no longer be able to access a safe home underneath your Solar Panels, they will be forced to look elsewhere. Therefore Bird proofing your solar panels is the perfect solution, and it is also permanent.

What Does Pigeon Proofing Services Include

Most Pigeon Proofing Services will include the following:

The removal of any existing nests or pigeons from underneath the Solar Panels and surrounding area. Ensuring no birds are left trapped underneath the solar panels.
Cleaning the Solar Panels and General roof area. Including sanitising the surfaces, and removing any droppings and nesting materials.
The installation of the pigeon proofing product of your choice.

How Much Does it Cost to Pigeon Proof Solar Panels?

The cost to pigeon proof your Solar Panels depends on 5 factors. Firstly, the Solar Panel installers you choose. Secondly, the product you choose to combat the issue with. Thirdly, whether or not your solar panels can be accessed without the need for scaffolding. Fourthly, if there is any damage that needs to be repaired due to the infestation. And lastly, the size of your solar panel array.

Choosing A Bird Proofing Installer

It is important to choose a Pigeon proofing company, who has experience working at heights and removing pigeons carefully, as this is essential for health and safety. For example, here at Deege Solar, we are PASMA tower trained, are HSE certified, and offer 10 years guarantee on all our Solar services. Hiring an inexperience installer may result in them damaging your Solar Panels further.

Pigeon Proofing Products

There are a variety of ways you can pigeon proof your Solar Panels. It is important that you select a secure solution, that will prevent vermin from gaining access. Here are what we believe to be the most effective way of preventing birds from getting underneath your Solar Panels.

1.Bird Mesh Wire

Bird Mesh Wire attaches to the perimeter of your Solar Panels to prevent birds from gaining accessing underneath. It is one of the most common, effective ways to pigeon proof your solar panels. It is designed to be clipped directly onto the panels without effecting the warranty. Overall, Bird mesh is an attractive non-intrusive solution, which doesn’t damage your roof or effect your solar panels. As they are clipped underneath the solar panels, and are held into place by a nut and washer, they are also easy to remove. This is great for when your solar panels need servicing or cleaning. Here at Deege Solar we only use the highest quality stainless steel mesh to pigeon proof solar panels!

2. Anti-Roosting Spikes

Anti-roosting spikes prevents pigeons from being able to perch nearby, therefore making the area a less attractive home. The spikes can be attached to any area on the Solar Panels, and are a humane, reliable solution to removing pigeons from your solar panels. Anti-roosting spikes are made from premium-grade stainless steel, and are UV-resistant.

3. Bird Blockers For Solar Panels

Bird Blockers work in the same way as bird mesh. However, they are arguably more aesthetically pleasing, as they match the Solar Panel colour. Bird blockers, are robust, durable, and UV resistant too. They require no drilling or screws to connect onto the Solar Panels, and are a great environmentally friendly option as they are made from recyclable HDPE.

4. The Solar Skirt

The Solar Skirt is the latest addition to Deege Solar’s Bird Proofing services. It is essentially a sleek black edging that is added around the solar panels to hide unsightly gaps and to keep pigeons at bay. The Solar Skirt is a premium pigeon proofing solution, made from aluminium and powder coated in Matt Black. The perfect finish complimenting black solar panels.

Size of Your Solar Panel Array

It’s a no brainer, that the more Solar Panels you have installed the more Bird netting and mesh will be required to cover the perimeter of your system. Most companies who offer pigeon proofing, will calculate the total cost on a per panel basis.

Damage

The longer you leave the problem untreated, the more damage the pigeons are most likely to have caused to your Solar PV System. Over time, pigeons will multiply so the longer the situation is left untreated the more likely there will be damage and mess. This will ultimately increase the cost, as additional repairs and labour is required. You can always request a Solar Panel Service, to check to see how your Solar System is performing and if there are any problems. After all, maintaining your Solar system is essential to get the most out of your investment.

Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels Now

If you require your Solar Panels protected, get in touch with Deege Solar today and we can arrange the instalment of the bird proofing product of your choice. Deege Solar have over 12 years of experience in installing and maintaining Solar Panels, and are essentially solar panel proofing experts. Our experienced team have completed pigeon proofing Solar Panel services all over the UK on a Nationwide Scale. We offer all kinds of Solar Panel Maintenance Services, including Pigeon proofing at a competitive price, with excellent customer service. We provide a full range of pigeon proofing solutions, and if we don’t have the product you are looking for, simply get in touch. For more information regarding pigeon proofing give us a call today on 01322 479369.