Solar Panel Protection from Pigeons and Birds - PEST UK

Providing pest control services in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, London, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Midlands, West Sussex, Wiltshire. Est. 1985.

Solar Panel Protection from Pigeons and Birds

For a quote to protect solar panels from pigeons & birds fill in our ONLINE FORM or call 0800 026 0308

There are over one million houses, apartment blocks and office buildings in the UK with rooftop solar panels.

Why do we need to protect solar panels from pigeons & birds?

It is necessary to protect solar panels from pigeons & birds because the area below the panels provides year-round shelter from the weather and predators so it’s the perfect space for birds to roost and nest. However, birds pushing underneath the solar panels can cause damage to the panels and fixings which may void the manufacturer’s warranty and incur long term, avoidable maintenance costs. A build-up of nesting materials, feathers and droppings can block light from reaching parts of a panel. This creates hotspots that lower the power output of the whole panel and reduce its effectiveness. When they use the cabling to build a nest the weight can pull the cables out.

What other problems are caused by birds roosting and nesting on a roof?

  • Nesting birds and their young are noisy.
  • Large amounts of droppings smell unpleasant and make a building look unsightly.
  • The droppings contain pathogens and bacteria which can cause very serious illness if breathed in (once dried) or ingested.
  • Pigeon droppings are acidic which can corrode and erode brickwork, metalwork and stonework.
  • Birds’ nests have mites, ticks, fleas and beetles which can find their way into the building.
  • Nesting materials, feathers and droppings can block gutters and drains.
  • Gulls can be aggressive to people, particularly in spring and summer when they breed and raise their young.

Why is solar panel bird proofing the most effective solution?

To protect solar panels from pigeons & birds accessing the area underneath is easier than culling them and having to remove the mess and debris they make. It’s against the law to disturb eggs, nests or their young so this can only be done once the breeding season is over. However, pigeons are exempt from this legislation as they are legally considered a ‘pest species’ so we can remove their nests year-round.

Birds will continue to use an area unless they are deterred. Pigeons are particular about where they roost and nest and will be determined to return. Long term, birds are learning that the area below solar panels provide a nice place to roost and nest so will seek them out. Over time they will pass this behaviour down to their offspring so it will be an ongoing problem for any solar panels.

How do we protect solar panels from pigeons & birds?

  • Deter birds from landing on or near solar panels by using a repellent gel.
  • Prevent birds from pushing underneath solar panels by fitting mesh using specially designed clips around the sides of the panels or installing Solar-Guard Spikes.
  • Proof anything on the roof which birds can perch on by installing anti-perch spikes.

Repellent gel

Repellent gel is a harmless, unobtrusive and humane method of deterring all types of birds. It creates a glow similar to shimmering fire whilst emitting a pungent odour which together cause an aversion response in birds. Our technicians place the gel around the rooftop solar panels to protect them from pigeons and gulls.

Left undisturbed the gel remains completely effective for two years, even in the most exposed and polluted environment, without maintenance. The cost will vary depending on the size of the area that needs to be treated.

Mesh and clip system for solar panels

Professionally installed mesh with clips designed specifically for use with solar panels is a proven and effective way of stopping birds from accessing the area below the panels. Strips of the mesh are fastened under the lip of each side of the solar panels. The mesh is curved onto the roof to improve its rigidity and prevent leaves from gathering. Ventilation remains unaffected so the panels can function efficiently.

Correctly installed, the mesh will not compromise the manufacturer’s warranty.

 

 

Solar-Guard Spikes

Solar-Guard Spikes are used if the solar panels do not have a suitable frame with a lip underneath to attach mesh e.g. older solar panels or those manufactured by Hitachi. This may also be the only approved method of solar panel bird proofing if the panels have been leased rather than purchased by the homeowner e.g. solar panels owned by the company ‘A Shade Greener’ are recommended to be proofed by this method.

The adjustable metal spikes are attached to the side of the solar panels with a super strong adhesive called ‘Soudal Fix All’. The spikes are then pushed down so that they fit exactly against the roof tiles.

Anti-perch spikes

Anti-perch spikes can be installed on anything which birds can use to perch such as chimneys, lights, guttering and tv aerials.

 

 

 

Professional installation is recommended

PEST UK’s technicians have the correct equipment and training to work safely and effectively on most roofs. They are experienced in using roofing ladders and some of our technicians are PASMA certified so they can build scaffolding if required. We also have technicians who are trained to drive and operate mobile work platforms (cherry pickers) if required.

 

During the proofing works, our technicians will remove any nests and live birds from under the solar panels. They’ll leave nests if it’s unsafe to remove them without damaging the wiring or panel and spray them with biocide.

They’ll also clean the panels to remove any mess and debris which could cause damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEST UK’s Guarantee

  • We guarantee the materials we use – mesh, spikes or Solar-Guard Spikes  – for one-year.
  • Bird Free repellent gel is not a guaranteed treatment to deter birds.

How much does it cost to bird proof solar panels?

The price varies depending on how many panels there are, the height of the building and access to the roof. We can usually provide a quote from the details you provide us with and your photos attached to out ONLINE FORM. For advice, call 0800 026 0308

What products do we use?

Click on the product to access its data sheet

Bird Free repellent gel