Keeping Your Solar System Clean, Efficient and Safe
Solar panels are a brilliant investment for your home or business, cutting energy bills, boosting property value and helping the planet, but there’s one surprisingly common nuisance that can affect their performance: pigeons.
If you’ve noticed birds nesting under your solar panels or droppings on your roof, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why pigeon problems happen, how they harm your system and the best ways to protect your solar panels.
Why do Pigeons Nest Under Solar Panels?
Pigeons and other birds love the warm, sheltered space that the gap between your solar panels and roof offer. Providing them protection from the weather, safety from predators and warmth, once a few birds have found the ideal nesting spot, it can quickly turn into a full colony, leading to noise, mess and damage.
The Problems Pigeons Cause
While pigeons may seem harmless, their presence can lead to serious problems for your solar PV system.
- Bird droppings can block sunlight from reaching your panels, reducing your panels efficiency and causing solar generation to decrease.
- Pigeons can peck at cables, risking system faults or even becoming a fire hazard.
- Nesting materials can cause water build up and roof leaks, and block gutters and drains.
- Droppings can spread bacteria like salmonella and psittacosis.
Over time these can all cause increased maintenance costs and reduce your system’s lifespan and efficiency.
How to Protect Solar Panels from Pigeons
The best approach for protecting your solar panels from pigeons is with prevention. Here are proven methods to safeguard your system:
- Install pigeon proofing mesh – a stainless steel or galvanised mesh barrier is fitted around the edge of your panels to keep pigeons out without affecting airflow or system performance.
- Use bird spikes – there are placed strategically on ledges or panel edges to stop pigeons rom landing or roosting nearby.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance – keeping panels clean reduces bird attraction. Schedule professional maintenance to inspect for nests, droppings or damage.
- Professional installation – choose a qualified solar installer like SolarTherm UK to fit high quality bird proofing systems that protect your investment without voiding warranties or harming your roof.
Why Choose SolarTherm UK?
At SolarTherm UK we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East safeguard their solar panels. We use durable, discreet bird proofing mesh designed to keep pigeons away permanently, maintain your system’s airflow and efficiency and blend neatly with your panels and roof.
Whether you’re installing a new solar panel system or need pigeon proofing for an existing solar panel array, our team is here to help.
Get a Free Quote Today
The best time to protect your solar panels is from day one, so don’t delay. Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
FAQs
Why do pigeons nest under solar panels?
Pigeons are attracted to the warm, sheltered space beneath panels where they can safely nest away from predators and harsh weather.
Can pigeons damage my solar panels?
Yes. Nesting materials and droppings can block sunlight, reduce efficiency, and even damage cables or roof tiles over time.
What’s the best way to stop pigeons nesting under solar panels?
The most effective method is to install a professional bird-proofing mesh or barrier around your panels to prevent access while maintaining airflow.
Will pigeon proofing affect my solar panel performance?
No. When installed correctly, pigeon-proofing systems do not affect the output or efficiency of your solar panels.
Can SolarTherm UK add pigeon proofing to existing panels?
Absolutely. Our team can safely fit pigeon-proofing systems to any existing solar installation across Essex, Kent, and London.
