Why Bird Proofing Your Solar Panels is Essential for Long-Term Performance

Arizona homeowners are increasingly turning to solar panels to harness the state’s abundant sunshine and reduce their energy costs. While solar panels are a smart investment with numerous rewards, they also come with some peculiar challenges - one being the potential for birds (especially pigeons) to nest under and around your solar panels. 

While we love our feathered friends dearly, they can affect the efficiency of your solar energy system and, in some cases, cause damage to the panels or even your roof. In this article, we explore why bird proofing solar arrays is crucial for maintaining their performance, the most effective methods to protect your investment, and why professional bird proofing solutions are essential. Taking proactive steps early on can help you protect your solar panels from local birds and ensure they operate efficiently for years to come. 

Why do birds love solar panels?

First things first: why are birds so attracted to solar panels? Firstly, the reflective surface and glare from solar panels can captivate and attract birds to your roof. Once there, they’ll find a sheltered, shaded space that offers protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. This, coupled with the warmth generated by solar panels in the winter months, presents an ideal spot for birds to nest and care for their young. 

Additionally, the elevation of solar panels - usually the highest point of your roof - serves as an excellent spot for birds to sit and survey their surroundings. With all these attractive features, it’s no wonder that solar panels are so adored by birds. The unfortunate result is that their presence can affect your solar panel’s efficiency and performance. 

The impact of birds on solar panels

There are several ways that birds can negatively impact your solar array. Let’s look at some of these potential impacts.

Decreased efficiency

Solar panels require unobstructed access to sunlight for maximum performance. But the presence of birds can only mean one thing: the presence of bird poop. Bird droppings, when combined with dirt and debris on the surface of your panels, can block sunlight from reaching your solar panels and decrease energy production. In some cases, their droppings can block drainage systems and result in water damage. 

On top of that, when birds decide to nest under your solar panels, they can block critical airflow. Over time, their droppings and nests will pile up and prevent proper water drainage, which can damage your roofing material as well as your panels. Regular cleaning of your solar panels can help maintain optimum output, however prevention (via bird proofing) is always a better road to take.

Potential damage

Beyond decreased efficiency, a more concerning impact of birds choosing to nest underneath your solar panels is the potential damage they might cause. Pigeons and other birds have highly acidic droppings which can corrode wires and connectors. If they decide to start pecking or chewing on the wires, they can cause serious damage that leads to electrical issues or even system failures. Over time, the movement, droppings, and pecking can decrease the lifespan of your solar panel system and potentially require costly repairs.

See More: How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Fire hazards

Arizona’s heat makes fire safety an essential precaution and birds nesting around your solar panels can cause a potential fire hazard. The dry twigs and leaves used to make birds nests can be highly combustible. When combined with the heat generated by solar panels, this creates a potential fire hazard. Add to this the frayed, chewed up wires and blocked airflow due to accumulated nesting materials, we have a high risk of ignition. While solar system fires are rare, it’s an important hazard to be aware of when dealing with pest birds and pigeons around your panels. 

Increased maintenance costs

Beyond the immediate impact of birds on your solar panel’s lifespan and efficiency, there’s also the added effect of increased maintenance costs. If you live in an area with lots of birds, you’ll likely need regular cleaning to remove droppings and debris from your solar panels to maintain optimum efficiency. These costs can add up over time to be far more expensive than investing in bird proofing from the outset.

Why bird proof your solar panels?

Bird proofing your solar panels helps improve the efficiency and lifespan of your solar panels while also promoting safety and a stress-free solar experience. If you’re on the fence about bird proofing, below are some reasons why you should make the move now rather than wait: 

Maintain efficiency 

As we mentioned earlier, bird droppings and nesting materials can obstruct sunlight and disrupt airflow, reducing the efficiency of your solar panels. This means you won’t be generating as much energy as you could be - meaning less cost savings and higher electricity bills. 

Bird proofing your solar system will help prevent these issues so your panels continue operating at high efficiency, maximizing your energy output and cost savings. 

Keep Reading: 9 Ways to Improve Solar Panel Efficiency and Output

Protect your investment

When you install solar panels, you’re making an investment in your home and life. The last thing you want is for your investment to be damaged by preventable issues such as nesting birds. Installing bird proofing measures will protect your investment and ensure it lasts well into the future, as it should. 

Reduce maintenance costs

Solar panels are wonderfully low maintenance, but if you allow birds to run amok they can wreak havoc and require more frequent cleaning to remove droppings and nests. In more serious situations, you may need to pay for repairs to replace damaged wires from birds pecking and chewing. By adding a bird barrier from the beginning, you can reduce these extra maintenance costs and enjoy a more hassle-free solar experience.

Be fire safe

While relatively rare, there’s a chance that the dry materials of bird nests combined with damaged wiring can pose a fire hazard, especially in hot climates like Arizona. Bird proofing your solar panel system minimizes these risks by keeping flammable materials away from the heat of your solar panels and preventing electrical shorts caused by chewed up wires. 

Keep other pests away

A side effect of having birds nest under or around your solar panels is that they’ll attract other pests to your home. While not directly related to the lifespan or health of your solar system, it’s not something you want to deal with. Adequately bird proofing your solar panels won’t just keep birds away, but other pests that might come as a result. 

Enhance your property’s value

It’s well-documented that solar panels help increase a home’s resale value, but this is only the case if the solar panels are clean, well-maintained, and free of issues (such as nesting birds and droppings!) To reap the benefits of increased property value, solar panel protection is a must, and bird proofing is an essential part of that. Nobody wants to move into a home that comes with less-than-efficient solar panels and a bird family on the roof. 

Improve appearance

Let’s be honest, bird droppings don’t add to a building’s curb appeal. Bird proofing your solar panels will prevent the accumulation of unsightly droppings, nesting materials, and potential surface damage caused by pecking and chewing. This helps keep your solar panels looking attractive - which is especially important if you run a business and want to maintain a professional appearance. 

Preserve local ecosystems

Finally, bird proofing your solar panel system can help preserve local ecosystems and biodiversity. Allowing birds to nest in and around your solar panels disrupts bird habitats and their natural way of living. By bird proofing your solar system, you’re taking one eco-conscious step to encourage birds to nest in a more suitable environment. 

Similar Reading: Are Solar Panels Worth It? A Complete Guide To Help You Decide

How to bird proof your solar panels

There are numerous ways to bird proof solar panels, ranging from DIY to professional installations. We always recommend using safe, non-intrusive, and long-term solutions when it comes to bird proofing your solar panels, including the following options.

Bird mesh 

One of the most effective and non-intrusive ways to bird proof your solar panels is by having a professional install a stainless steel mesh around the perimeter of your panels. This mesh acts as a barrier that prevents birds from accessing the space beneath your solar panels while still allowing for adequate ventilation. 

Bird mesh wire is designed to clip directly onto panels and can quickly be removed when needed, making maintenance and cleaning easy. It doesn’t damage the solar panels or the roof and in most cases won’t void the warranty of your solar system. The ease of installation, functionality, and durability of bird mesh wire makes it an effective long-term solution for bird proofing your solar panels. 

Anti-roosting spikes

Another popular bird proofing solution is the use of bird spikes. These may sound scary, but they’re a humane option that discourages birds from landing on your solar panels without causing them any harm. The spikes simply make it uncomfortable for birds to land, so they fly away and find somewhere else to roost. Like bird mesh, anti-roosting spikes are easy to install and remove and don’t cause any harm to the birds. 

Solar panel skirts

Solar panel skirts are installed around the edges of your solar panels, creating a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing the space underneath. They’re usually made from durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions while maintaining the visual appeal of your panels, for example, metal or a black PVC coating. Like the other two solar panel bird proofing solutions, solar panel skirts provide long-lasting protection. 

Ultrasonic devices

A relatively new method of bird proofing solar panels is the use of ultrasonic devices. These emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but very displeasing to birds, deterring them from gathering around your solar panels. Ultrasonic devices are still new but show a lot of promise as a bird proofing option that’s long-term, non-intrusive, and doesn’t alter the appearance of your solar panels. 

Cruelty-free options

In cases of severe infestation, it might be necessary to take more ‘severe’ precautions. While more intrusive, these options can still be safe and won’t harm the birdlife. We recommend trap and release cages that offer a humane and cruelty-free way to deal with pigeons and other birds.

Why choose professional bird proofing for your solar panels

A quick online search might yield various DIY options for bird proofing your solar panels, but we recommend against doing so for various reasons. Here’s why you should consider professional bird proofing over DIY:

• Tailored approach: Not all homes or solar arrays require the same level of bird proofing. Tailoring the solution to your specific situation is crucial. Professional services will assess your circumstances to provide a customized bird proofing solution that addresses your specific needs and challenges.

• Peace of mind: Professionals have expertise dealing with a range of birds. They know how to spot vulnerabilities and adequately protect your solar array against the risks of bird interference. This thorough and expert attention will give you peace of mind that your investment is well-protected and cared for. 

• Specialized solutions: DIY methods might work in the short-term, but professionals have access to more advanced bird deterrent products and solutions that will provide long-lasting protection to your panels. 

• Maintenance & support: In many cases, bird proofing services will provide ongoing maintenance and support to make adjustments, address issues, and ensure the solutions continue deterring birds effectively. 

• Save time & effort: Why spend hours researching DIY methods, buying materials, and installing them yourself when you can have a professional do all of the above for you? Bird proofing services are easy, reliable, and hassle-free, allowing you to focus your attention and energy elsewhere knowing your solar panels are well looked after.

Bird proof your solar panels for long-term performance

Protecting your solar investment from bird-related damage is essential for maintaining efficiency and longevity. Taking proactive measures to bird proof your solar panels is often also more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of an infestation - with less headaches and stress, too. 

If you’d like more help assessing and fixing bird-related damage to your solar panels, contact the team at Sun Valley Solar Solutions. We offer repairs & maintenance services that can help protect your solar panels from the unique challenges posed by our beloved (but pesky) birds.