Bird-Proofing Solar Panels: What to do

You may love Australia’s wonderful birdlife. That doesn’t mean you’ll love what it can do to your solar power system. Birds nesting around solar panels – and even under them – usually leads to a mess on the surfaces of panels, in turn causing reduced energy production and potential damage to the panels (bird poo is acidic enough to strip paint!).

Bird poo on your panels isn’t the only issue either; bird nests can attract mice and rats that could chew on panel wiring, while their nest materials could create a fire risk. Therefore, you need to come up with ways to safeguard your solar investment from birds – while not harming the birds in the process!

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Can you bird= proof solar panels?

Bird-proofing solar panels in Australia is possible and there are several ways to do it. Some of the most common, low-cost solutions include bird spikes or bird deterrents such as bird scarers and sonic devices. For example, bird spikes can be attached to the panels, preventing birds from nesting on the panels and causing damage. Sonic devices emit sounds that are unpleasant to birds and can prevent them from landing on the panels.

But some birds can be seemingly immune to these simple fixes. In that case, it may be necessary to cover your panels with nets or mesh, either fitted by you or a professional.

What to know about pigeon-proofing solar panels

You’ve finally made the jump and installed solar panels on your rooftop. You’re feeling great about your eco-friendly decision until you notice pesky pigeons roosting on or under your pricey investment. Not only are guano-coated solar panels an unsightly addition to your home, pigeons also carry diseases such as the West Nile virus that can severely impact lung health. And pigeons are known to be highly reluctant to abandon a nesting spot once they’ve made themselves at home – they’re not known as homing birds for nothing!

For those reasons, pigeons tend to be in a class of their own when it comes to solar panel problems. These persistent birds usually require bird mesh to keep them from nesting on top of or underneath your solar panels. It’s possible to buy what’s called a ‘solar skirt’ to ensure the underside of your panels isn’t accessible by birds. A company called Clenergy is often cited as a name to be aware of in the hardcore bird-proofing game, because it specialises in solar mounting solutions that include a formidable-looking solar skirt called a DFendr.

Aside from pigeons, other critters such as rats and possums also pose threats to solar panels. They can chew on wiring and cause damage to the frames or panels. To combat these issues, you can also look at installing mesh screens that prevent these animals from accessing the panels.

How much does bird-proofing solar panels cost?

As a rough estimate, expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $2,500 to bird-proof your solar panels, depending on what kind of bird-proofing solution you choose and how many panels you have to protect. There are plenty of options out there that can suit any budget, whether you’re looking for a DIY solution or a professional installation. While the initial investment may seem daunting, keep in mind that bird damage to your solar panels can end up costing you even more in the long run.

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How to bird-proof solar panels and keep them away

As we previously explained, spikes and deterrents are the simplest bird-proofing options but may not be effective for all birds. Mesh or netting is likely to be a more expensive but more comprehensive solution. There are some issues to consider, however, before bird-proofing your solar panels, which include:

• Removing existing birds. Birds that have made cosy homes on and under your panels may not be easy to move prior to installing bird-proofing, particularly if you’re not an expert bird handler. It’s also important to note that removing nests that native birds are actively using is illegal, as is causing harm to any bird, so it’s advisable to consult a bird-removal specialist or pest-control company with knowledge of bird removal rather than attempting a DIY job.
• Avoiding damage to your health. Bird poop can give off fungal spores that you risk inhaling if you come in contact with it, causing serious lung and other conditions that can have long-term health impacts. As above, if you suspect bird-proofing your solar panels will involve removing large amounts of guano, ensure you’re well-informed about the protective measures you must take or call in an expert.
• Cleaning with great care. Turning your Gerni on and blasting your solar panels with high-pressure water to remove a layer of bird poo prior to bird-proofing risks damaging your panels as much or more than the poop itself. It’s important to ensure that water and cleaning fluids don’t enter the panels or harm their wiring so keep cleaning gentle at all times.

You can ask your solar installer about bird-proofing your solar panels prior to installation. That will allow the installer to suggest ways of positioning the panels to minimise the risk of infestation or recommend bird-proofing products that can be installed from the get-go.

Is bird-proofing solar panels really necessary?

Bird-proofing your solar panels can give you peace of mind and, depending on whether you’ve already got a bird infestation issue or are taking preventative action, may not be hugely expensive. Some bird-removal experts note that if you don’t have existing flocks of birds homing in on your roof, your solar panels may never be troubled by birds.

If birds are a threat you’re concerned about, taking preventative measures during installation is likely best so your panels are protected for their full lifespan. If you’re unsure of the risk, however, you may want to do six-monthly inspections of your panels – which is good for maintenance in any case – to check that they’re not turning into Pigeon Palace, and taking action depending on what you find.