3 Essential Benefits of Bird Proofing Your Solar Panels
Solar panels are a long-term investment in your home but can be rendered ineffective by birds. Here’s how you can start bird-proofing solar panels.
Back in 2018, over 2 million Australian homes went at least partially solar with rooftop solar panels. That number is going to grow exponentially as more Australians commit to a more eco-friendly and affordable energy source.
Unfortunately, rooftop solar panels do come with one pesky problem: birds, particularly pigeons, love to nest around and under solar panels.
The good news is that bird-proofing solar panels is easier than you might think. We have compiled a number of methods that are easy to implement and won’t cost a huge additional cost.
Read on to learn more about protecting solar panels from birds and birds nests.
Why Do Pigeons Love Your Rooftop Solar Panels?
Pigeons prefer to nest in high areas where they can keep an eye on food and water sources at all times. Because their babies stay in the nest longer than most bird species, they also require ample protection. The space beneath your rooftop solar panels makes a perfect nesting place for pigeons and their families.
Other birds may also make a home under your solar panels. However, pigeons tend to be more comfortable sharing their space with humans than other species. The good news is that our pigeon proofing methods work for all birds so you won’t have to worry about any feathery friends nesting on your roof.
Why Should You Prevent Birds From Building Nests Under Your Solar Panels?
You might be thinking, “Why not let them be?” After all, we are proud to coexist with animals of all kinds here in Brisbane.
That being said, you’re going to want to encourage birds, especially pigeons, to nest somewhere other than your solar panels. Why? Let’s take a look at the three primary reasons that pigeon proofing your solar panels is a must.
Pigeon Droppings Are Corrosive
Of course, where you find pigeons, you will also find pigeon droppings. This is especially the case after the babies have hatched and started wandering from the nest. When you have four or five pigeons on your roof, you’re going to have quite a bit of excrement up there.
The problem is that pigeon droppings are more acidic than most bird droppings. As they build up, they can start to corrode the hardware that keeps your solar panels running properly. Because the space between your solar panels and your roof is narrow, it isn’t easy to get in there and clean out the droppings on a regular basis.
Droppings On Solar Panels Can Lower Energy Intake
The adult pigeons likely won’t just leave their droppings beneath your solar panel. They may deposit droppings when they take flight, as well. When they’re taking off and landing on your roof again and again, many of those droppings are bound to end up on the surface of your solar panels.
If droppings build up on the panels, themselves, you may run into an energy problem. If anything is blocking your panels, they won’t be able to take in as much sunlight throughout the day. This will lower your overall energy intake, making it harder to build up the reserves you need to power your home.
Pigeons Love Reusing Nest Sites
You may be thinking that if the pigeons have already made a home on your roof, you might as well leave them there. After all, they’ll leave when their babies grow older, right? Sort of.
Pigeons may leave for a short period of time, but they’ll come back if they can. Once two pigeons have found a comfortable place to nest once, they’ll return the next time they’re getting ready to lay eggs. The best thing you can do is contact your local wildlife control to have the pigeons safely relocated before bird-proofing your solar panels.
Need help repairing solar panels after removing those pesky birds? Contact us for solar panel repairs in Brisbane.
Easy Ways to Approach Bird-Proofing Solar Panels
Once your roof is nest-free, it’s time to implement bird-proofing solutions. These two solutions work well together to keep your solar panels free of nests and keep your solar panel surfaces bird-free. Let’s take a look.
Create a Solar Skirt
A solar skirt is a simple device that blocks off the area between your roof and the edge of your solar panels. Mesh materials work best because they allow heat to escape from beneath your solar panels while keeping birds out. Wire and plastic mesh panels will do the trick.
Install Bird Spikes
If you still have birds hanging around on your rooftop, you may want to install bird spikes in strategic places. Bird spikes are thick and flexible, which means that they discourage birds from perching on them but do not cause them physical harm. Bird spikes can keep pigeons and other birds from landing on (and leaving droppings on) your solar panels.
Will the Birds Be Alright Without Solar Panel Access?
Taking a nesting spot away from a bird may not be your cup of tea. However, we’re here to let you know that the birds have plenty of other options for nesting! In fact, nesting beneath your solar panels isn’t the safest option for them, and it’s best to encourage them to leave.
Have Birds Damaged Your Solar Panels? We’re Here to Help
Bird-proofing solar panels will help you get the most out of your switch to solar energy. Need more than just solar panel protection? If you have damaged or malfunctioning solar panels on your hands, we’re here to help.
Whether you want to start with an inspection or dive right into repairs on your Brisbane residential solar panels, our licensed solar experts are perfect for the job. Contact us and let us know what services you’re interested in. Our friendly representatives will be in touch soon.
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