How to Protect Your Solar Panels from Pigeons: Effective Pigeon-Proofing Solutions

Many people choose solar panels as an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to power their homes and businesses. However, they can become a target for pigeons, which are drawn to the panels as a nesting site. Pigeons nesting in solar panels can cause significant damage, including droppings that can corrode the panels and block gutters. This article explores the steps you can take to pigeon-proof your solar panels and avoid costly damage.

Prevention

To avoid attracting pigeons to your solar panels, take these simple preventative steps:

• Tidy Up Your Garden: Remove piles of twigs and leaves, which can provide nesting material for pigeons.
• Seal Your Bins: Ensure that food waste is securely contained to prevent attracting pests, including birds.
• Don’t Feed Wildlife: Avoid leaving food out for birds or other animals, as it can attract pigeons and other pests.
• Use Low-Key Deterrents: Consider inexpensive deterrents, such as bird of prey decoys, to help discourage pigeons from nesting near your home.

If simple methods don’t work, consider professional help to ensure pigeons do not settle under your panels.

How to Deter Pigeons from Nesting in Your Solar Panels

If pigeons have started nesting under your panels, you can employ several measures to prevent further damage.

1. Bird Netting

Bird netting is a cost-effective and reliable way to pigeon-proof your solar panels. Steel mesh can be clipped to the underside of your panels to seal off nesting areas. This method is unobtrusive and won’t affect the functionality of your solar panels.

2. Bird Spikes

Ant-roosting spikes are another affordable and effective deterrent. They prevent pigeons from landing and roosting under your panels. The spikes don’t harm birds but stop them from establishing nests.

3. Scarecrow Bird Dispersal System

For larger premises or businesses, bird dispersal systems that use startled cries to scare birds away can be effective. These systems require professional installation and may be a higher-cost solution.

4. Bespoke Solutions

If your problem is more severe, consult a pest control specialist who can assess your solar panels and recommend the best measures for pigeon prevention. They will tailor solutions based on your specific needs and budget.

Removal of Pigeons from Solar Panels

If pigeons are already nesting under your panels, take prompt action to avoid further damage.

It’s safer to contact a professional service rather than trying to remove the pigeons yourself, as it requires accessing your roof. A pigeon-proofing service will include the removal of dead birds, nests, and thorough cleaning of the affected areas to eliminate bird mites.

Preventative measures such as bird spikes or mesh should then be installed to stop further infestations.

How Much Will It Cost to Pigeon-Proof Your Solar Panels?

Several factors will affect the cost of pigeon-proofing your solar panels:

• Access: If your roof is easy to access with a ladder, the cost will be lower. For larger buildings, scaffolding may be required, which adds to the cost.
• Number of Panels: The number of panels you need to protect will influence the price and the methods used.
• Cost of Repairs: If pigeons have caused damage to your solar panels, roof tiles, or wiring, repairs will need to be factored into the cost.

The overall cost typically starts at £300, but if you opt for a full-service package including nest removal and installation of long-term preventative measures, the price will increase. A complete service will also involve thorough cleaning and decontamination of the affected areas.

While the cost may seem high, pigeon-proofing your solar panels is an investment that will protect your property and prevent further damage to your panels.

Get in Touch with Integrated Bird Management

If you want to pigeon-proof your solar panels, contact Integrated Bird Management. With over 15 years of experience, we can offer professional solutions to protect your solar panels from pigeons and other pests.