Most homeowners today choose to power at least some of their energy needs using rooftop solar panels. For as long as more people switch to cleaner, less expensive energy, that figure will increase rapidly.
However, a frustrating aspect of rooftop solar panels is that birds, especially pigeons, like to sit on them or build their nests in and around them. Improving the security of solar panels against birds is simpler than you can imagine.
Firstly, we must stress, that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 you cannot legally disturb a nest with eggs or young birds. You can only remove nests as long as they’re not being built or in use. This applies to all wild birds, even those considered pests, so you can’t call pest control to remove them.
But if it’s just a case of birds sitting on your roof, or these are newly installed panels, you are free to act and prevent any nesting. Bird spikes will only stop birds sitting on the peak of the roof, you will need more action to stop pigeons nesting.
Why Should You Stop Birds Nesting On Your Solar Panels
Pigeons Are Good at Reusing Their Nesting Sites
Once the pigeons move on when their offspring reach maturity, they can return if given the chance. Pigeons will return to the same nesting spot they used the first time around to deposit their new batch of eggs.
Peak breeding season is between March and July but feral pigeons can breed all year round. Bear in mind, we have taken their natural habitat to build our houses, so we should act fairly.
The first step is to ensure they have fully left and the nest is vacant. Once this is the case, then you can take preventative measures by looking at animal friendly bird proofing solar panels guards and mesh.
Pigeon Waste Accelerates Corrosion
Naturally, in areas populated by pigeons, one will encounter pigeon waste. This is particularly true once the young have emerged from the nest and begun to explore their surroundings. When four or more birds have settled on your roof, there will be considerable waste accumulation.
Pigeon excrement is more acidic than that of other birds, which is a major issue. The hardware ensuring your solar panel functions correctly is susceptible to corrosion during this pileup. Due to the restricted space surrounding your solar panels and roof, frequently cleaning the droppings can pose a challenge.
Debris on Solar Panels Can Reduce Energy Consumption
It is unlikely that mature pigeons will deposit their waste underneath your solar panel. Additionally, they can leave droppings during movement. As they repeatedly take off and descend on your roof, many of their droppings will inevitably settle on the solar panels’ exterior.
An energy issue can occur if drops accumulate on the panels directly. Your panels will not get as much sunshine during the day if something obstructs their path. Since your total energy consumption will go down, saving up for home electricity will be more of a challenge.
What can you do about it?
By bird proofing your solar panels, you can protect your solar panels and your Green Energy Investment. This can be done by simply installing a wire mesh, or bird netting to the outside perimeter of your Solar Panels. This prevents pigeons from nesting under your Solar panels, without impacting the panels warranty.
