Solar Panel Bird Proofing that Works

As many more UK properties install solar panels on their rooftops, owners are discovering how popular they are with pigeons and other problem birds as nesting sites. In this post we look at this growing challenge and how our new range of humane, plastic bird prevention spikes stops pests from taking up residence. Pigeons, like many other animals, seek shelter and protection from predators. Solar panels, mounted on rooftops, provide exactly the right environment for them to establish their homes. The elevated rooftop location provides a great vantage point from which to scout for food and water while keeping a watch for attackers. Pigeons will naturally use cliffs for nesting and roosting which is why they like the urban equivalent - rooftops. Can I Remove a Pigeon Nest? People plagued by pigeon pests nesting under their solar panels often ask if its OK to remove their nests. The answer is no. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (the primary legislation which protects animals, plants and habitats in the UK), it`s "an offence intentionally to kill, injure or take any wild bird, or take or destroy their eggs or nest, or damage a nest, while that nest is in use or being built". If you discover a nest under your solar panels you must leave it alone and not block access to it until you are certain its no longer in use. Only authorised people with appropriate government issued licensing are permitted to deal with roof nesting feral pigeons. Will Nesting Pigeons Return? Pigeons are homing birds with incredible navigation skills. Homing pigeons have been known to travel as far as 1,100 miles to find their way back home. This means that once pigeons have successfully established a home under your solar panels its highly likely they will return. Preventing them from accessing spaces they have previously used for nesting is the answer. We provide full details later in this post. Are Pigeons Bad for Solar Panels? Today’s solar panels are notoriously sturdy. They have no moving parts that can wear out and tend to be manufactured using high quality, tempered ‘safety glass’. Their robust construction and the fact that they are mounted on rooftops, away from most sources of possible damage, means they can potentially last for as long as 30 or 40 years. But if solar panels have attracted the attention of unwanted feral pigeons, or other pest birds, then the build up of bird faeces will adversely affect the efficiency and energy production capabilities of the panels. And its worth remembering that adult pigeons are large, heavy birds. While robust solar panels may be able to take their weight the clips used to connect the panel wiring are more fragile and therefore more susceptible to damage. In some situations large feral pigeons have been known to completely dislodge solar panel wiring making the entire system inoperable. Its also worth remembering that an infection linked to pigeon droppings was determined to have been a “contributing factor” in the death of a child at a Glasgow hospital. Pigeon and bird poo is not only bad for solar panel efficiency, it can also cause life-threatening illness. Another problem caused by pest birds nesting under solar panels is blocked guttering. Accumulated bird mess, feathers and nesting materials will eventually be washed into a properties roof guttering where it can cause blockages which result in water damage. How to Stop Pigeons Nesting Under Solar Panels Luckily, with a little consideration it is possible to prevent problem pigeons and other birds from establishing their homes under your solar panels. Keep Your Outdoor Areas Clean Start by thinking about what is likely to attract pigeons to your property in the first place. Pigeons are not only on the lookout for great nesting sites, they also need food and water. Keeping outdoor areas clean and ensuring bins and bin bags are always sealed minimises feeding opportunities. Another factor that attracts problem birds is the availability of nest building materials such as twigs and leaves. Keeping outdoor areas and gardens clean and tidy minimises the amount of available nesting material and encourages birds to find somewhere more suitable. Use Fake Birds of Prey Pigeons and many other birds are naturally fearful of birds of prey. A fake owl can be a surprisingly effective deterrent. Some fake owls even have heads that rotate in the breeze, making them appear even more realistic. While fake birds of prey can be an effective deterrent they should never be relied upon to prevent pigeons from nesting under solar panels. Deploy Bird Free Fire Gel Bird free fire gel is a highly effective, humane bird deterrent that`s widely used, worldwide. The gel is made from a formulation of natural, harmless ingredients which, in combination, emit UV light. Humans can`t see UV light but birds can. And to them the bird free fire gel looks like its on fire to which they respond by keeping away. Bird free fire gel is formulated to be highly durable and will easily remain effective for over 3 years. This has been proven many times since being launched in 2011. Install Solar Panel Bird Proofing Spikes Our solar panel bird excluder spikes are specifically designed to prevent birds from getting underneath rooftop solar panels. solar panel bird excluders Solar Panel Bird Excluder Spike Strips Mounted on Panel These low cost bird spikes are manufactured from a robust, UV stabilised plastic that supports their 15 year manufacturer’s warranty. They are supplied in 333mm strips, each consisting of 9 spikes. solar panel bird proofing spikes Solar Panel Bird Proofing Spikes Matching Roof Profile Installation simply involves attaching the strips to the sides of solar panels using a good silicone adhesive. The strips feature break-off points that makes the installation process very quick and easy. Its important to note that these anti bird spikes are installed pointing downwards, toward the roof, thereby blocking bird-access to the panel underside. Individual plastic spikes are easily trimmed to enable the strips to closely fit various roof tile profiles and not leave any gaps large enough for birds to get through. Currently available solutions include the use of a steel mesh around solar panels, which will potentially rust over time, or installing solid skirts, which can restrict air flow and result in over-heating. Our cost effective, versatile plastic solar panel bird proofing spikes provide a far superior, effective solution. solar panel bird proofing spike strip Individual Solar Panel Bird Proofing Spike Strip This all-new, highly effective solar panel bird proofing solution is available in pack sizes from 6 metres to 50 metres. Each pack contains the plastic spike strips, high-quality Silirub-2 adhesive and the snips needed to trim the spike lengths as required. Ideally, our solar panel bird proofing spikes should be installed at the same time as the solar panels as this will leave no time for problem birds to discover new nesting opportunities. If you already have solar panels on your roof these anti bird spike strips can be easily installed but you must ensure there are no active nests before you do so. Our solar panel bird protection spikes will work effectively with all solar panels where the gap between the panel and roof is between 80 and 150mm. Use in conjunction with our Bird Free Fire Gel deterrent for a highly effective pest bird solution. If you have any questions about how to deal with problem birds or if you have any special requirements remember that we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

For more information on Solar Panel Bird Proofing that Works talk to Insight Security