As sustainable energy becomes more popular, many people are investing in solar panels not only to meet their power needs but also to lessen their environmental impact. Solar energy can be more cost-effective than traditional electricity, despite the initial investment being quite substantial. To ensure your solar panel investment is protected, it’s important to consider issues such as birds, especially pigeons, which may nest under the solar panels and cause various problems.
To prevent damage that can lead to additional expenses, pigeon-proofing your solar panels is essential. This keeps birds off your roof and ensures your solar panels operate efficiently. But what does pigeon-proofing entail, what costs are involved, and what is the most effective method? It’s important to understand how to deter birds from nesting under your solar panels to choose the best solution.
Reasons Why Birds Prefer Solar Panels
If you’re considering getting solar panels for the first time, be aware that birds, particularly pigeons, are known to cause issues. They find the space between solar panels and the roof to be an ideal nesting ground. Birds are drawn to these spots for shelter, and they enjoy the high vantage points roofs provide. Pigeons, as homing birds, will consistently return to a familiar nesting spot despite efforts to chase them away.
What Damage Birds Can Cause
While birds might not initially seem like a concern when installing solar panels, they can cause significant damage. Bird droppings, for example, can obscure solar panels and reduce their efficiency by blocking the sun’s rays. Dried droppings can also clog ventilation systems, resulting in extra costs. Additionally, bird droppings are unsightly and can stain and discolour your roofing materials. Birds can further physically damage the panels and electrical systems by pecking and gnawing at them, which could necessitate costly repairs and reduce the lifespan of your solar setup.
Effective Methods for Pigeon-Proofing Solar Panels
Bird-proofing your solar panels typically involves creating a physical barrier to block access to nesting spaces. One method involves installing wire mesh around the edges of the panels to prevent birds from getting underneath, which can be removed for cleaning purposes. Another technique employs anti-roosting spikes, which discourage birds from settling on the panels without causing harm. Bird blocker products, aesthetically pleasing alternatives to wire mesh, also prevent birds from nesting near the solar panels.
The Cost of Pigeon-Proofing
The expense of bird-proofing solar panels varies widely depending on whether you’re a handy DIYer with a head for heights, or need a scaffold to be erected for the installation to take place. It can range from around £200 for just the materials, to upwards of £1500 including equipment and labour, scaffold etc. The specific bird-proofing approach you choose, whether it be wire mesh, spikes, or bird blockers, impacts the overall cost, but in my opinion, by far the most effective is the wire mesh option. The complexity of the installation and any additional repairs needed during the process will also affect the price, so shop around and obtain several quotes before beginning the pigeon-proofing process, so you can budget appropriately.
Do You Require Professional Pigeon-Proofing Installation?
Maybe you’re questioning the need for specialists to keep birds away from your solar panels. Well speaking from experience, professionals have the expertise necessary for the job. Even if you think you understand how to do it, you might not get it right. An experienced professional will ensure the task is done correctly the first time, so you won’t have to worry about the issue reoccurring soon and any reputable installer will come with guarantees on both the products and their workmanship. Pigeons always return to their previous nesting spots, as do their offspring, so if the job isn’t done properly, pigeons might still manage to nest under your solar panels. Even after installing pigeon-proofing, expect to have a visit from the same family of pigeons for at least another year or two – it takes a while before they get the message!
Another reason to avoid a do-it-yourself approach is safety. You may not be familiar with the precautions needed to climb onto your roof and remove nests, which could put your life at risk. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to accidentally harm the birds because you’re unsure of the proper removal method. Professional installers know how to remove nests without causing harm to birds or risking them getting trapped. Also, without proper knowledge, you risk damaging your solar panels, which could result in additional expenses.
When should you get Pigeon-Proofing Installed?
The best time to get pigeon-proofing installed is when you get your solar panels installed. Any solar installation company worth their salt, will warn you of what’s in store if you DON’T get them bird proofed, and my advice is to heed their warnings! When I had my solar installation done, I was oblivious to all of this, so had 2 years of pigeons scratching around, fighting, making lots of noise, and pooping all over my roof and panels. While the scaffolding is up, get the panels protected and avoid the headache of having to do it later. That’s my advice anyway!
