Pigeon Problems? Discover the Best Solutions for Protecting Your Solar Panels

Congratulations on your new sleek and shiny solar panels. May you have a future with reduced energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. But what are those cooking and scratching sounds? On no, you’ve got pigeons, don’t you?

The feathered squatters love to nest under solar panels. Unfortunately, that always leads to serious issues. That’s why pigeon-proofing solar panels is something you have to consider seriously.

What are the risks of pigeons nesting under solar panels?

What can a few birds do to your panels anyway? Well, they might not do it right away, but in time, you will see the destruction first-hand. Here is what happens if pigeons nest under solar panels:

Pigeons will not stop at your solar panels either. They will make home in any part of your home as long as it provides them with their basic necessities. You need to get rid of the pigeons as soon as you spot them. So what are the conditions and…

Why do pigeons target solar panels?

Keep in mind that where one pigeon goes, others will follow. If you see one pigeon, expect the whole flock to show up eventually! The flock might even expand from your solar panels to your gutters. If that happens, check our post on how to deter birds from building nests in the gutters. Much like your gutters, your solar panels provide pigeons with favourable conditions.

Ways to protect solar panels from pigeons and other birds

Now it’s time you got down to some solar panel pigeon-proofing. The following methods tend to work, but they work best when combined. As you will see, each has its strong and weak points.

Mesh or netting

Solar panel mesh or netting is how to stop pigeons from going under solar panels. It’s recommended you use durable materials that will withstand harsh weather conditions. You should fasten the material around the entire perimeter of your solar panels, but you’re not done after the installation.

There is always the risk that the pigeons will find small openings or areas that are not properly secured. You need to regularly check and maintain the solar panel netting to prevent any gaps or weaknesses from forming. Those regular checks are also good because leaves, branches and other debris get stuck in the barrier and you need to clean them.

Bird spikes

You don’t like to step on pointy things, right? Pigeons don’t either. That’s why you should install solar panel bird spikes. You will make it uncomfortable for pigeons to land on your panels. You should install them along the outer edges and any flat surfaces where birds are likely to land.

Also, check so that they don’t interfere with the operation or maintenance of your solar panels.

Still, bird spikes alone might not prevent all pigeon activities. The pigeons might find ways to nest around or between them if there are gaps. If not securely attached, spikes can become dislodged or bent and that would make them very unpleasant to look at.

Visual deterrents

Reflective objects disorient birds and make your solar panels less appealing as a landing spot. Predator decoys, on the other hand, can trick birds into thinking a predator is nearby. Still, this method has its weak points where it can lose its efficiency.

If decoys aren’t placed correctly or don’t move, birds could figure out that they’re not real threats. Weather can also play a role; bad conditions might damage or shift these deterrents. If you have spots not covered by the decoys or reflective objects, birds could still land there.

Ultrasonic bird repellers

Ultrasonic bird repellers emit sounds that birds find unpleasant. Fortunately, we humans can’t hear any of that. They’re a great way to keep birds from landing on your solar panels without causing a disturbance to your everyday life.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Placement is key—if you don’t position these devices correctly, they won’t work as well. Plus, some birds might get used to the sound over time. Weather can also affect these devices; heavy rain or strong winds might interfere with the ultrasonic waves.

Which is better: calling a professional or DIY approach?

Ah, the eternal dilemma. Should you call the pros to tackle pigeon-proofing your solar panels or do it yourself. Let’s consider both options:

Professionals know what they’re doing. They have the expertise and experience to bird-proof your solar panels effectively. Plus, hiring a professional means you don’t have to spend your weekend wrestling with mesh or climbing up on the roof. 

Another bonus is that many professionals offer guarantees or warranties on their work. If something goes wrong, they’ll come back to fix it. But, of course, professional services can be pricey. You also might have to wait for an appointment. These services are in high demand.

Now, let’s talk DIY. Doing it yourself can be a real money-saver. You will only need to pay for materials. It’s also pretty satisfying to tackle the problem on your own schedule.

However, the DIY route requires a fair bit of time and effort. You might also not get the same results as a pro. You could miss important details whilst installing and unintentionally leave gaps for those crafty birds to exploit.

How much does it cost to pigeon-proof solar panels in UK?

Pigeon-proofing solar panels in the UK costs between £600 and £1,000. Those sums are hefty, no doubt about that. It’s these factors that influence the price of bird-proofing solar panels.

1. Method of pigeon proofing – Each method has its own pricing structure based on materials and labour involved. Simple solutions like bird spikes and reflective tape are usually cheaper. Comprehensive solutions like mesh netting and ultrasonic repellers tend to cost more;
2. Size of solar panel array – Larger arrays will naturally cost more to protect as they require more materials and potentially more labour for installation;
3. Accessibility – If your panels are difficult to reach or require special equipment for installation, it will cost more;
4. Location – Areas with high bird populations may have higher demand for bird-proofing services.

While upfront costs for bird-proofing services may seem significant, they can save money in the long run. Think about it, it prevents damage and reduces maintenance costs.