Solar panel bird proofing: an expert guide

As much as we love our feathered friends and other local wildlife, they can become an inconvenience for a solar panel system. The space under solar panels is prime property for animals looking for a safe haven – and if homeowners aren’t careful, they could end up with a set of nuisance neighbours who are difficult to remove. 

In this article, we’ll explore what you can do to safeguard your solar panel investment from unwanted visitors – whether they’re birds, bats or squirrels. 

To find out how much a solar & battery system (with bird protection) could save you in the long run, answer a few quick questions below and we'll generate an estimate.

Do you need to get bird proofing for your solar panels?

Bird proofing measures are essential for ensuring your solar photovoltaic (PV) system lasts for as long as possible. Birds can cause damage to rooftop solar panels by nesting under them, covering them with poo, or pecking at the wiring. And if you've ended up paying the high upfront cost of solar, it makes sense that you want to protect it.

According to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the UK is home to a vast population of around 170 million wild birds across 628 species, each with unique behaviours and nesting habits. This includes 18 million feral pigeons, who have a particular interest in nesting beneath solar panels. 

Considering there are more than 1.4 million UK households with solar panels today, that’s a lot of systems that could become homes for birds.

What problems can birds cause under your solar panels?

Birds nesting under solar panels can cause chaos, messing up everything to do with the panels' efficiency and the surrounding structures. In some cases, the damage can end up being an expensive headache. 

Let's look at some of these issues in more detail:

• Reduced solar panel efficiency
• Damage to the solar panels
• Noise disturbance
• Rooftop mess
• Attracting other pests

Reduced efficiency

Your solar panels’ efficiency is everything - it refers to what percentage of natural light is being converted into electricity, which obviously determines how much money you’re saving on your energy bills. Once birds have nested beneath your panels, they’ll start to poo on top of them, which naturally reduces the quantity of light that can get through. 

What’s more, bird poo is acidic enough to cause permanent corrosion to panels, and usually won’t be washed off by rain alone.

Damage to the solar panels

Nesting birds can disrupt wiring or damage components essential to the functionality of the solar panels, reducing their output.

Noise disturbance

If you've ever had the pleasure of being rudely awakened by pigeons squaring up to each other at the crack of dawn, you'll understand just how disturbing bird noises can be, especially when they're busy building nests on the roof above you.

Rooftop mess

Birds are a sloppy bunch. The accumulation of nesting materials and the aforementioned acidic excrement can create an unsightly mess on rooftops. Regular cleaning is a must, otherwise you'll end up with clogged gutters and drains.

Attracting other pests

A bird’s cosy nest can attract other pests like squirrels, bats, rats, mice, and insects who want in on the action. These fellow trespassers can exacerbate damages to both panels and the structure of the building. Plus, certain birds carry mites that can infest your home.

What does bird proofing usually consist of?

Solar panel bird proofing usually involves putting physical barriers around the edges of the panels, which prevent birds from nesting underneath them. However, there are a few other strategies. 

Common solutions include:

• Installing wire or plastic mesh around the edges of the solar panels to prevent birds from accessing the space underneath
• Placing plastic or stainless steel bird spikes around the solar panels to create an uncomfortable landing surface for birds. This is usually a lot tougher and more durable than mesh
• Adding solar ‘skirts’ to the edges of solar panels. These operate in the same way as wire mesh, except they are often the same colour as the panels and tend to look a bit more sophisticated
• Acoustic deterrents like ultrasonic devices – we humans usually can’t hear these sounds, but they are designed to repel birds
• Objects like reflective tapes, scare balloons, or fake predators (like owls or hawks) can be used as visual deterrents to discourage both land- and air-based pests from getting too close

How much does bird proofing cost?

Compared to the overall cost of installing a solar & battery system, bird proofing is relatively inexpensive and pretty essential.

Can you add bird proofing to an existing solar panel system?

In most cases you can retrofit bird proofing, but it's usually more cost-effective to do it when you install the solar panels (to make the most of the scaffolding).

What’s more, if birds have already nested under your solar panels before you add bird protection, there may also be costs for the initial clean-up process.

How long does bird proofing last?

Bird proofing solutions for solar panels are built to last, often for around 10 years or longer.

However, it depends on the type of bird proofing you choose - for instance, bird spikes are typically a lot more resilient and durable than bird mesh, and can last longer than 15 years - sometimes as long as the solar panel system itself (i.e. 25 years or more).

Does bird proofing require any maintenance?

Most bird proofing systems are designed to be hardy, but they need a light touch to keep them effective. This mainly involves checking for any damage or wear and tear to mesh screens, skirts or spikes, and making sure deterrent devices are still doing their job. 

Also, stay on top of clearing out any junk or debris that builds up over time. Keeping your outside areas tidy and in good shape will make bird proofing more effective by making it less enticing for animals searching for a new home.

Are any birds capable of getting past bird proofing?

While bird proofing methods like wire or plastic mesh are generally effective, there's still a chance that some smaller or more persistent birds might find ways to bypass these barriers – especially if there are gaps or if the installation isn't thorough enough. It’s much better to use spikes or skirts, which are stronger and much more resistant to invading birds. 

Regular maintenance and checks will also help you to identify and fix any weaknesses in your bird proofing setup.

How to remove birds from under your solar panels

If you've already got birds nesting under your solar panels, be careful how you deal with it. Before anything else, make sure there aren't any eggs or chicks in the nest – it’s illegal to disturb or destroy occupied nests, so leave them alone. 

You’re free to remove any empty nests and clean the area thoroughly afterwards to discourage birds from returning. But given the height and contamination risk from lingering bacteria, we’d recommend calling in a professional pest control service to deal with the situation.

Are there any other pests that nest under solar panels?

Besides wild birds, other pests like squirrels and bats are attracted to the shelter, warmth and superior nesting spot that solar panels provide. 

Just like their avian neighbours, other pests can cause similar damage like gnawing on wiring and leaving their waste everywhere, so strong solar panel protection like spikes is essential. 

Summary

Solar panels are an excellent addition to any home in the UK, but it’s important that they don’t become a home for birds in the process. If you’re thinking of getting a solar & battery system for your property, it’s sensible to invest in some sturdy bird protection. 

To discover how much a solar & battery system could save you on your energy bills, answer a few quick questions below and we’ll generate an estimate.

Solar panel bird proofing: FAQs