Bird Proofing Solar Panels

Bird Proofing Solar Panels

Bird droppings corrode solar panels and can inhibit energy production.bird proofing solar panels Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining solar panel efficiency and preventing costly repairs. Unfortunately, pigeons and other birds are often attracted to the area underneath your solar panels where they can find food, shelter, and safety from predators. In addition to the resulting mess, pigeon droppings create an acidic environment that can tarnish and corrode solar panels, as well as the wires and inverters connected to them. Thankfully, there are a few simple bird proofing solutions to prevent this from happening that can significantly reduce the maintenance required of your solar system.

First, assess the local pigeon population and determine whether there are larger numbers in your area that could increase your chances of an infestation.bird proofing solar panels If there are, then the following bird proofing options can help:

Installing a physical barrier such as mesh or specialized barriers around the area of your solar panels helps to deter birds from nesting or roosting underneath them.bird proofing solar panels This type of barrier is relatively cost effective and does not obstruct the panels or the roof in any way, ensuring that sunlight can still be utilized.

If installing a fence or other physical barrier, it is best to consult with a professional to ensure that you are using an appropriate material and that the installation process is done correctly for both safety and effectiveness. Some homeowners also opt for sonic deterrents that use bird distress calls, alarms, or other sounds to make the area unpleasant or even frightening for birds to nest in. These are typically less expensive and offer a cruelty-free solution that is more environmentally friendly than some other methods such as trapping and release cages, although these may not be as effective.

Another bird-proofing method is to use a bird deterrent spray that emits a chemical that has an unpleasant taste or smell for birds, making it unattractive to nest or roost in the area. The downside of this option is that it can take some time for the chemicals to work, and they may not be as effective as other methods.

If a bird-proofing spray does not provide sufficient results, some homeowners have found that using a wire mesh to cover the entire area of the solar panels is highly effective at keeping pigeons from nesting or roosting. These can be purchased at most hardware stores and come in a variety of sizes, with most containing strips that can be cut down to size with snips. The strips are easily attached to the underside of the panels using a high quality silicone adhesive, preventing birds from accessing the underside of the panel.

Pigeons are a common problem for homeowners who have installed solar panels because they are attracted to the area where the sun shines. In addition to corroding the solar panels, pigeon droppings can also block or limit the amount of sunlight that is able to reach the panels themselves. In turn, this can hinder energy production and result in lower electricity outputs for the home. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the problem without harming any of the birds, including using a pigeon-proofing product such as spikes to deter them from the area.