The underside of solar panels offers such great cover and warmth that birds often decide to build a nest here. With the use of meshing, netting, decoy, and spikes you can ensure that birds do not meddle with your solar panels!
Solar panels are a great investment in terms of the electricity they provide and the improvement to the sale value of your property. With the solar panels placed on the roof, they are out of the way and provide a considerable amount of electricity even on cloudy days. Unfortunately, the underneath area of the panels provides a perfect place for birds to nest. Understanding how to keep birds from nesting under your solar panels will help save you some grief.
How to stop birds from nesting under your solar panels?
1. Galvanized Steel Mesh
One of the most common and effective products for keeping birds away from the underside of solar panels is a galvanised steel mesh. The mesh clips to the sides of the panels and keep the birds from getting underneath.
The mesh is also weather tested which means that it should last for a long time with only the strongest storms and winds affecting it. Plus, the mesh still allows the air to circulate underneath the panels.
2. Netting
3. Decoy Animals
An oldie but a goodie, the Owl Decoy is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to keep birds away from the panels. Most decoys are fairly inexpensive and often just the shape of an owl is enough to do the job. The only issue is that if the decoy stays in one place too long, the birds will think it is dead. So, you will have to move it around which may not be all that practical.
Another tips is to buy rubber snakes. Bird hate the sight of snakes and will avoid them at all cost. They can be bought for as little as $1. Scatter the rubber snakes underneath your solar panels, all over your roof. Not only are they hidden and do not effect the aesthetics of your house they will give any curious bird the scare of their lives as they come face to face with a snake.
4. Spikes
While stainless steel spikes alone may not be enough and can be unsightly, they work well in conjunction with mesh to keep the birds away. If you line the top of the roof with small spikes and add the mesh to the panels, the birds should not even land on your home. Spikes are also simple and straightforward to set up but are not the prettiest of home decorations, so keep that in mind.
5. Clean Yard
You’ll want to keep your yard clean and neat, so the birds have nothing to eat. Also, wash the area around your solar panels from time to time to remove any buildup of debris. While cleaning alone may not solve the issue, it does work well in conjunction with other protection methods to keep birds away. Plus, you have a clean, neat-looking home to boot.
How to remove a birds nest safely?
Follow this article on how to remove a nest safely and legally. It is illegal to do so if the nest is active or home to a native bird species so be wary, read the article fully before removing any nest.
By learning how to keep birds from nesting under your solar panels, you can not only keep the panels and your roof clean of bird droppings and debris. You can also maintain the increase in the sale value of your home because there are no unsightly nests of birds. Remember that if one method does not work, you can always switch to another and see if that does the trick.
Are birds nesting under solar panels a problem?
The simple answer is yes. Depending on their size, it is possible for birds an aspect of your solar panel system. Birds also carry diseases. One of the most common diseases that can be caught form birds is Histoplasmosis. Often spread through bird feces this disease can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Birds can also create blockages in your pipes and gutters with their feathers and when parts of the nest dismantle. Birds can also be very noise when close to your home. Allowing a bird to nest close to your home can become annoying when they are waking you up in the early parts of every morning!
What smells can keep birds away from your solar panels?
There are many smells that can repel birds away from your solar panels. Garlic, Cayenne Pepper and Peppermint Oil are all known to be offensive to birds and all happen to be organic products. Follow this article to learn more about what smells keep birds away.
Alternatively you can check out our list of best bird repellents!
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About Us
We are avid bird-watchers who recently retired, allowing us more time to travel the world. Fortunately, we have managed to visit numerous countries around Europe, Asia, and America. Watching and photographing birds has been a passion for many years and we are making the most of the extra time on our hands!