As cities expand and food and water become more available, birds are moving from parks to home roofs, sometimes causing unwanted mess. This can be problematic when you have a rooftop solar panel system. These feathered friends leave behind droppings, guano, and feathers that can damage your panel’s surface and reduce its efficiency. You can prevent all this by following some easy ways of bird proofing solar panels.
Bird Proofing Solar Panels
It provides much-needed protection against birds as their droppings can accumulate on solar modules over time, blocking sunlight, and hence reducing the overall efficiency of panels.
To avoid this issue and prevent birds from building nests, you can place a barrier around the space between roof and the PV panel. And then, your panels are safe from birds.
Below, we have discussed some methods, and by implementing these, you can keep the feathered friends away from your panels.
Method 1. Opt for Automated Bird Repellent System
You can install it near a solar module. They produce some sort of light or sound to ward off birds and other such beings. The visual deterrent systems emit lights the birds abstain from and the sound deterrent system uses the same approach but with sound.
As the birds usually linger around the panels during the day, it’s much more practical to use the sound deterrent system. You can also install a scarecrow to keep birds away from your roof.
Also, check out Do Solar Lights Attract Bugs?
Method 2. Install Solar Panel Bird Mesh
Such meshes are crafted out of flexible, lightweight, and durable material. They feature a net-like design with a thin layer of metal. This design prevents birds from flying through and defecating on the panel.
Installing them can be a bit tricky, you may need to look for experts or companies to carry forward the installation process.
Method 3. Install Reflective Mirrors
With a little bit of effort, these mirrors can work as excellent bird repellents. You just need to set them up in a way that makes it difficult for the birds to approach your PV panels.
Another option is to purchase a reflective bird deterrent. It utilizes wind, sunlight, and reflective flashes to deter the birds.
Method 4. Regularly Clean Solar Module / Maintenance
If you haven’t cleaned your solar panels for a while, they won’t just gather dust. They could become a place where birds nest and leave droppings. And as it covers the panels it is hard for them to soak up sunlight, which affects how well they work.
Do you know: Birds droppings can carry over 60 diseases. This is a bigger concern in residential areas, as many of these diseases could spread through the air.
To avoid all this, clean your panels regularly to keep them working well and maintain their lifespan. Here are 8 Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels.
Method 5. Install Bird Spikes
You can install them around the panels to ward off birds. They are small but can cause a bit of discomfort to birds if they land on the spikes, thus discouraging them. Crafted from flexible and durable plastic, they are usually not more than two inches wide. They are also easy to install and remove.
Cross-reference: Preventing & Deterring Birds from Nesting Under Solar Panels
Bird and Pigeon Proofing Solar Panels DIY
Usually, professionals should handle the installation process, but here are some general steps if you want to do solar panel bird mesh installation yourself:
Materials Needed:
- 30m Roll of Black UV PVC Coated Wire Mesh
- 100pk Solar Panel Mesh Fasteners
- Wire Cutters / Snips
- Pliers
- Ladder
- Work Gloves
Installation Steps:
Step 1: Start by folding the end of the mesh roll at a 45° angle.
Step 2: Now, attach a fastener cap at the fastener hook’s end.
Step 3: Start at one corner of the solar panel group. Hold the wire mesh so it’s even with the top of the panel frame. Push the fastener hook through the mesh and connect it under the panel frame.
Step 4: Now use your hand or pliers to hold fastener’s end. Tighten the mesh against the panel frame by sliding the fastener cap.
Step 5: Put the hook tail into the slot on the fastener cap to lock it in place. Do this again, putting the fasteners about every 30cm around the panel.
Step 6: To finish the mesh corners, fold them over and under each other.
Step 7: For inside corners, cut the mesh halfway up from the bottom so you can fold it. For rails and switch gear, cut openings or flaps in the mesh to shape it around them.
Note: Taking safety precautions and using safety gear like a harness is a must while working at heights. If you don’t have proper safety gear or knowledge, hold your desire for DIY and ring up a professional installer.
Also See: Is Solar Panel Removal and Reinstallation Possible?
Best Solar Panel Mesh Kit
After learning about such kits and their effectiveness against birds, let’s explore the top solar panel mesh kits available on the market:
1. Bird-X Solar Mesh Guard Kit
It is among the best solar panel pigeon proofing kits. Bird-X Solar Mesh Guard Kit is designed to prevent birds and rodents from accessing the area beneath your PV panels and causing damage to your roof and the panels’ electrical wiring. It creates a barrier that keeps pests away from the mounting area of the panels.
You can attach it to panels without causing harm or voiding their warranty. They are easy to install and are compatible with brackets depth of more than 30 mm. On its official site, the kit is listed at around $90.08.
Features:
- 100 ft. of stainless steel mesh
- 100 solar clips
- Its mesh and clips are weather-resistant and durable.
- 5-year warranty
2. Bird B Gone Solar Panel Bird Deterrent Mesh
Bird B Gone Solar Panel Bird Deterrent Mesh comes in a 100 ft roll with two width options—6 and 8 inches. You can choose the right size by measuring the space between your roof and the panel.
This mesh binds the cage of the array without penetrating or drilling the modules. It also has easy installation and takes only a few hours. On the company’s official site, its price is listed at around $110.00.
Features:
- 1/2″ wire mesh (Stops birds and critters)
- Weather-resistant .058″ Black Coated PVC
- Almost invisible
3. Heyco® SunScreenKit®
This PVC-coated and galvanized welded steel mesh comes in a 100 ft roll with three width options: 4, 6, and 8 inches. The Heyco® SunScreenKit® also includes 36 solar panel mesh clips made of 303 and 304 Stainless Steel for durability against outdoor elements.
The 303 Stainless Steel J-Hook easily attaches to the solar panel frames and can be trimmed or bent as needed after assembly. The 304 Stainless Steel Washers firmly hold the wire mesh screen to the module assembly. It prevents damage from squirrels and rodents and keeps birds from nesting under the solar panel.
Features:
- Mesh size: 1/2″ x 1/2″
- DFARS Compliant
- Black color option available for applications under HOA appearance restrictions.
- Stainless Steel Washers are available in steel color or black painted versions.
Also See: 24 Most Common Solar Panel Problems With Solutions
Bird Proofing Solar Panels Cost
Typically, bird-proofing residential solar systems can cost between 767.29 USD to 1,278.82 USD (£600-£1,000) on average.
However, the cost can vary based on factors such as roof size, accessibility, and the number of solar panels installed.
Is It Worth Bird Proofing Solar Panels?
Yes, it is quite worth it. Typically, panels are installed on rooftops, attracting birds seeking shelter. However, this can damage your roof as well as the panel, leading to system failure. To address these issues, bird proofing methods like spikes and mesh deter birds should be introduced as droppings can pose a health hazard. For more such interesting content, keep exploring our website.
Recommended: How do I Know How Much Electricity My Solar Panels are Generating?
