Have you got pigeons causing a ruckus under your precious solar panels? Don’t fret, my friend! You’re not alone in this struggle. I have some proven tips to help you bird-proof your solar panels and bid those pigeons farewell. But before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why these feathered troublemakers are so attracted to your rooftop.

So, why do pigeons fancy your solar panels as their new hangout spot? Well, it turns out they have a few reasons:

The view: Pigeons and other birds are about finding an excellent vantage point to scout for food and water. And what better place than your solar panels? They’re elevated, basking in the sun, and offer an unobstructed view. As pigeons gather and nest on cliffs in the wild, your rooftop becomes their urban cliff.

The protection: When pigeons seek a nesting and roosting site, they seek shelter from predators and the elements. They want more than just any old “cliff”; they want one that combines a great view with safety. And guess what? Your solar panels fit the bill perfectly! A nest under a solar panel provides shade, warmth, protection from rain and wind, and a hidden spot away from lurking predators.

Here’s the unfortunate truth: Once pigeons find their cosy spot under your solar panels, they’ll return season after season. These homing birds have a knack for returning to their previous nesting sites, and if you don’t act, they’ll multiply like there’s no tomorrow.

But here’s the kicker: Pigeons may be enjoying their solar panel retreat, but they’re far from good news for your precious panels. They cause damage worth hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in the following ways:

The poop predicament: Let’s not beat around the bush here. Bird droppings are a nightmare for your solar panels. They mess with the panels’ function and, if left to “cook” under the sun, cause permanent discolouration and damage. And it’s not just the surface of the panels that are affected. The highly acidic droppings can eat through electrical equipment and damage roofing membranes, shingles, and even tiles. If you need more than that, the droppings can accumulate, running down the side of your building and creating an unsightly mess. Worse yet, they can dry up and find their way into your structure through vents and HVAC systems, turning into tiny toxic dust particles. Bird poop around your solar panels is a recipe for disaster.

The messy affair: Surely, bird nests might seem charming at first glance, but they come with a lot of mess. Birds scatter nesting materials in every direction, and these nests are often held together with a less-than-pleasant combination of droppings and other fluids. It doesn’t look good, and birds love pecking away at the equipment under your panels. Wires and boards become fair game for birds.

The unwelcome guests: Birds attract other unwelcome visitors to your solar panels. Squirrels, bats, rats, mice, and insects are all drawn to the commotion. And let me tell you, once these critters move in, they’ll chew through your wiring and wreak havoc.

Listen up, my friend. You can’t afford to let pigeons make a permanent home under solar panels. The costs, both in terms of damage and hassle, are too significant. But fear not, for I have some tips to help you pigeon-proof those panels and restore peace to your rooftop.

Here are three proven tips to rid your solar panels of those persistent pigeons:

Install solar panel mesh: Solar mesh is a nifty low-tech solution to safeguard your high-tech solar panels. This system involves attaching wire mesh panels to the edges of your solar panels. The mesh is a barrier, preventing birds and other critters from accessing the space beneath your panels. Don’t worry; the mesh allows air to circulate beneath the panels while keeping the troublemakers out. The clips used to secure the mesh won’t cause any damage to your panels, and the system can be swiftly installed. Once in place, solar mesh requires minimal maintenance and has a clean look with minimal visual impact. It’s a humane solution to tackle the bird problem head-on.

Installing solar mesh may not be a walk in the park, but it’s best left to the professionals. Why? Well, they know how to handle the job safely. Working at heights, at an angle, and carefully manoeuvring around the delicate components of your solar panels can be tricky. Luckily, expert solar mesh installers nationwide are specially trained to remove debris and install the panels under challenging—even dangerous—conditions.

Spike it up: Even with the space beneath your panels secured, you may still find birds loitering around. That’s where bird spikes come to the rescue. These spikes are a formidable deterrent, preventing birds from finding a comfortable foothold to land on your panels. Don’t worry, though—they’re not painful for the birds. The spikes are blunt and slightly flexible, making them uncomfortable but harmless. By strategically installing spikes in combination with solar mesh, you add an extra layer of protection for your solar panels.

Keep it clean: Birds have got to eat, right? Well, if no food is available near your property, they’re less likely to stick around. Keep your yard and garden clean and tidy. Empty your trash regularly and store pet food where birds can’t get their beaks on it. Birds are also drawn to their own mess, so clean up any signs of bird visitation as soon as you spot them. Wash away droppings and keep your solar system and all its components in good repair.

So, there you have it, my friend. Pigeon-proofing your solar panels is vital to maintaining their functionality and keeping them in tip-top shape. Follow these tips to prevent birds from causing any more damage to your system. Trust me, with a little effort, you’ll bid those pigeons farewell in no time. Good luck, and may your solar panels remain pigeon-free!