Bird Proofing Solar Panels: Effective Solutions for Home PV Systems.

Updated: Jul 29

Effective Bird Proofing Solutions for Domestic Solar PV Systems

Birds could see your panels as a lovely home to nest under.

Bird proofing your solar PV system is something that needs to be considered. Birds, if they discover your P.V. system, would love to make it their new home. At SolarandBatteryCompany.com we highly recommend taking steps to deter birds and squirrels from doing just that. Otherwise you increase the chances of needing to retrofit a deterrent, which would require re-scaffolding the house.

Birds and other small animals are drawn to solar panels, seeking shelter or a nesting space. This poses some potential risks to the solar installation's functionality and bird proofing (or bird protection) can help to deter the birds from setting up home underneath your panels and encourage them to go elsewhere. Though commonly referred to as "bird proofing," this method also guards against squirrels, which are known to gnaw through cables, causing significant cable damage, reduced generation, and, unfortunately, potential hazards due to DC electricity.

Understanding the Risks of birds nesting under your Solar P.V. System:

Birds nesting or roosting under solar panels can lead to a variety of issues. Nest building using debris such as leaves or twigs can block the system's ventilation. Moreover, bird droppings accumulating on panels can impact their efficiency by obstructing sunlight absorption. Additionally, the early morning disturbances created by birds perched on your roof can be quite annoying.

Common Bird Proofing Solutions:

Mesh or Netting:

Stop birds from nesting under your panels by blocking access with mesh netting.

Installing durable, weather-resistant mesh or netting around the solar panels' perimeter acts as a barrier, preventing bird and squirrel access while ensuring adequate ventilation. This solution is very and that's why SolarandBatteryCompany.com recommend it be incorporated during the initial installation. This is why all of our installations come with standard bird proofing, because we know how frustrating it has been for customers in the past that didn't have bird protection as part of their installation.

This is a cost-effective choice compared to retrofitting later, which could require additional scaffolding and escalate costs.

Spikes or Wires:

Placing bird spikes or wires strategically beneath panels discourages birds from perching or nesting. Although this solution is effective, it may not align with the aesthetic preferences of most domestic settings and is better suited for commercial premises. For our domestic customers, we advocate the subtler approach of bird mesh/netting.

Bird Proofing Fins/Guards:

Solar guards - a premium solution. Rather than mesh, fins are fixed between the roof and panel.

There is also a more premium solution available that is a step away from the mesh solution and has a more sleek finned solution. The fins/guards create a solid barrier between the roof and the panels. This solution has the appearance of an in roof system, which some customer prefer. The picture on the right gives you an idea of how the finned solution looks.

Ultrasonic Devices:

These devices emit high-frequency sound waves, making the area uncomfortable for birds and encouraging them to vacate the space beneath solar panels. However, the effectiveness of these devices can vary, and their impact on other animals or pets should be considered. Additionally, accessing the roof for device maintenance could be challenging.

Benefits of Bird Proofing:

Adding bird proofing measures for solar PV systems offers several advantages

Protecting System Efficiency:

By preventing debris or droppings from accumulating on panels, bird proofing helps maintain optimal solar energy production.

Reducing Maintenance Needs:

Bird proofing minimises the necessity for regular cleaning or maintenance due to bird-related issues, saving homeowners time and effort.

Preventing Damage:

Averting nesting under panels prevents potential system damage caused by blockages or overheating.

Preserving Aesthetic Appeal:

Bird proofing maintains the visual appeal of the solar installation, ensuring it remains an attractive addition to the property.

Conclusion:

Bird proofing for domestic solar PV systems should be seen as an important consideration for safeguarding efficiency and integrity. It not only protects the system from potential damage but also ensures that homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without being bothered by avian visitors. At SolarandBatteryCompany.com, we strongly recommend incorporating bird proofing as a standard part of solar installations rather than considering it as an afterthought. We always consider our perspectives from that of our customers, and whilst sometimes solutions and advice vary from customer to customer, when it comes to bird proofing the vast majority of advice we provide is to ensure that you have it. Adding it whilst installing the system is incredibly cheap, compared to retrofitting it a few years down the line and the added cost of scaffolding.