How To Get Rid Of Pigeons Under Solar Panels?

Have you ever thought that pigeons are plotting to replace your solar panels in their hangout spot? Pigeons may think your solar setup is their new luxury home. But it’s time to take steps to get rid of them. The question is, how can you get rid of these uninvited guests without turning your rooftop into a combat zone? Worry not. We have useful tips to help you with pigeon-free panels and keep your solar panels intact. Let’s keep your solar panels sunny by protecting them from pigeons.

Why Pigeons Are Attracted to Solar Panels

Pigeons are attracted to solar panels for several reasons. The main reason is that the high flat surface of the solar panels makes it an attractive bird shelter suitable for nesting away from hunters. The roof of solar panels protects them from harsh weather and predators. Additionally, this protected area makes them as attractive as a paradise where they are comfortable and undisturbed. They find secure shelter under solar system roofs and make their homes there. Unluckily, while pigeons enjoy their comfort zone under the solar system, their presence can lead to solar maintenance issues and potential damage to solar panels, which is a significant concern for the homeowner.

Why Pigeons Nest Under Solar Panels

Generally, pigeons ideally move to a safe shelter for nesting, so flat and sheltered solar panels attract them. These ideal habitats provide the birds a secure environment from predators and inclement weather. They can lay eggs in the gaps between the panels without any obstruction. The more relaxed atmosphere under the solar panels makes it more attractive for birds than other less comfortable places.

What Damage Pigeons/Birds Can Cause to Solar Panels?

Birds can cause many issues in your solar systems. Some of them are

Damage Solar System

Birds scratch the solar system, chew the wires, and pull the connectors, which reduces its efficiency. Moreover, their scratches, sharp beaks, and nails can damage the roof tiles beneath the solar system, resulting in water leakage and reducing its lifespan.

Accumulation of Droppings and Feces

When birds live on your solar panels, they need regular cleaning. We know that regular solar panel cleaning is impossible in a busy routine. Then what can happen? These birds and pigeons pass feces and droppings on the panels, accumulating on the panels and preventing natural sunlight from reaching the solar system. Moreover, they also hinder ventilation, which increases the solar system temperature and reduces efficiency. To avoid all these situations, you must inspect the solar system properly and choose a solar expert consultant who can guide you in selecting a suitable system for installing a pigeon-proof solar system.

Inspecting Solar Panels for Nests and Droppings

It is very important to inspect solar panels for nests and droppings to maintain their efficiency. Here are some suggestions for inspecting your solar system for the presence of pigeon nests and droppings.

• Carefully investigate the area around the solar panels, especially checking the gaps between the panels for nests. Birds usually lay their eggs in such hidden places.
• Use a roof ladder to inspect the area of ​​the solar panels closely and check for any signs of nesting damage. Removing nests can keep birds from returning and protect your solar investment.
• Regular check-ups help catch early issues and prevent serious problems.

Pro tip

After finding nesting and droppings, you must take early precautionary steps to prevent your solar panels from damage. To take precautions, you can use bird mesh and spikes, which are convenient and easy to install around the solar panels. Birds can be prevented from reaching the solar system by installing bird mesh (made of plastic or metal) around the solar panels, keeping the solar function smooth.

How Do You Install a Pigeon-Proof Solar Panel System?

Did you know that pigeon droppings and nesting can damage your solar panels and affect the capacity of the panel to absorb sunlight up to 30%? Yes, you read it right. Your solar panel with nests and droppings produces 30% less energy than the standard solar panels. But you don’t need to worry because a solution to avoid this situation is available. Installation of pigeons-proof solar system. Following is a step-by-step guide to installing a pigeon-proof solar panel system.

• First, secure the solar panel frame with bird mesh and wire to install a pigeon-proof solar panel system. This boundary must be tightly bound to keep birds out.
• Use a non-toxic deterrent gel or spray around the solar system to discourage birds from backing away from it.
• The final step is inspecting the solar system protection wires to ensure they are intact and there are no gaps for birds to get in and lay eggs. These steps help protect your solar panels from damage.

Costs Associated With Pigeons-Proofing Solar Panels

The cost of pigeon-proof solar panels depends on the material and installation setup. This includes costs such as bird mesh, netting, and spray, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the quality of the material and solar size. Expert installers’ charges add to the cost because of the skilled labor required to properly fit around the solar panels without damaging them and ensure that the solar system’s performance is not adversely affected. Additionally, they conduct inspections to ensure the effectiveness of prevention. Following are the prices for various birds/pigeons protecting materials for solar system

• The prices for the bird-barrier mesh are from $50 to $120 per 100 feet (30 m).
• A 10-foot-long spike price is below 20$, making it very economical. You can consider other deterrent tools options such as plastic predators, gels, etc.
• The cost for the Electrical Birds Deterrents starts from 500$.

Tips to pigeons-proof of your solar panels

You can follow a few practical tips to make your solar panels pigeon-proof.

Install Bird Netting

Protect solar panels with bird netting to create a boundary to prevent birds from accessing the solar system.

Regular Cleaning

To discourage birds, keep the area clean and remove droppings and nests.

Use Birds Spikes:

Use bird spikes on the edges of the solar frame. This will discourage birds from landing here and laying eggs.

Professional Assessment:

Hire the experts who can suggest effective deterrents to suit your solar setup and install them correctly.

Monitor and Maintain:

Inspect the solar setup regularly and make sure the deterrent is working properly. Regularly check setups and structural weaknesses that could allow birds to re-enter. In case of any damage, repair them in time to maintain protection.

Remove Unnecessary Things

Remove nesting material and potential food around the solar panel that may attract birds.

Final Thoughts

Pigeons and birds are attracted to solar systems due to their shading and cool places. They lay eggs and accumulate feces and debris on the solar panels, which can affect their efficiency. Effective strategies should be adopted to prevent pigeons from nesting under solar panels. Various types of materials are available, such as bird mesh, heavy-duty bird netting, deterrents, etc. You can use any material according to your budget to prevent pigeons from landing on the solar system. Maintaining a restrained setup helps you have a pigeon-free solar system.