In the UK, we’re lucky to have a variety of birds that make their homes in our gardens. Solar panels can create attractive nesting spots for some of these birds, which can be great for our wildlife, but lead to problems with your panels in the long term.
The underside of solar panels offers a warm, sheltered cavity, protected from wind, rain and predators. Elevated off the ground, it provides an ideal nesting spot for many bird species.
However, allowing birds to nest there can pose a hazard which needs to be properly managed. The good news is that this is an easily solvable problem with a few small adjustments that’ll protect your home and your investment in solar panels.
What damage can birds cause to your solar panels?
Birds might seem like a harmless part of your garden’s backdrop. But when they take a liking to your solar panels, the impact can be far more serious than you might expect. A rooftop solar array offers warmth, shelter and a safe perch, which makes it an attractive spot for nesting and roosting. Over time, it can start to interfere with how well your panels work, how long they last and even the condition of the roof beneath them.
It’s not always obvious at first glance, either. Many of the issues caused by birds build up gradually because they’re hidden under the panels or out of sight at the roofline, until they start affecting efficiency, creating an unpleasant mess or leading to avoidable repair costs. Understanding the kinds of problems that can arise is the first step in deciding how best to protect your solar panels.
Birds can damage cabling by pecking it, which can lead to electrical faults and costly repairs. Nesting materials can interfere with the natural ventilation around your panels, reducing airflow and increasing the panels’ temperature. Solar panels reduce in efficiency when they get too hot, so you won’t receive the maximum benefit. It can also drop into gutters, leading to blockages and water overflow, which may result in damp issues if left unchecked.
Where there are birds, there’s poo, which could fall on your panels or roof. If left to accumulate over time, it can again reduce the efficiency of your panels, stain your roofing materials and create a health hazard. And while fires due to nesting birds are rare, they’re still possible and shouldn’t be ignored. Dry nesting materials are highly flammable. If it comes into contact with damaged wiring, it can increase your fire risk.
What types of bird-proofing are available?
There are several options available to bird-proof your solar panels. Each is designed to keep our feathered friends away without causing any damage to the panels themselves.
When properly installed, they shouldn’t affect the performance of your panels in any way, and most are very discreet from ground level.
UV-resistant mesh barriers can be clipped onto the frames of solar panels. For most homes, this is often the most effective option. It can often be installed without any drilling, is long-lasting and requires little maintenance. It can also often be retrofitted to existing solar panels.
For a more premium and aesthetic appearance, you could opt for panel skirting. These lightweight strips seal the gap between the panel and the roof.
They look great and create a solid barrier with no entry points, even for the smallest birds, but they do come at a higher price point.
Bird spikes are a slightly cheaper option but are less commonly used for solar panels, as they’re intended to prevent larger birds from landing. Small birds will still be able to move through the gaps to form their nests. They’re most effective when used in combination with mesh barriers and fitted to roof lines and ledges.
When should you consider bird-proofing?
Installation is the most cost-effective time to add bird-proofing measures to your solar panels. However, you may have moved into a house with solar already installed or might just want to live with your panels for a while after installation to see if nesting birds pose a problem in your area.
If you’ve already seen nesting activity under your panels, can hear scratching or movement, have any visible debris around your array, or if your neighbours with solar have had issues with nesting birds, it might indicate that you need to bird-proof your solar panels.
Solar is a long-term investment. It’s important to protect your panels if you want to get the most from them over the 25+ years of service you can reasonably expect them to deliver for you.
While the additional cost of bird-proofing your solar panels might seem off-putting, it’s a relatively small price to pay when compared with potential repair bills and the cost of retrofitting. Over time, you’ll benefit from more efficient panels, and peace of mind that your home is safe.
How can Electrical Innovations (Derby) Ltd help?
If you’re unsure whether you need to bird-proof your solar panels, it’s often best to speak to an expert. Bird activity is common in and around Derby, especially if you live in an area with lots of open green spaces or trees nearby.
At Electrical Innovations, we offer open and honest advice on bird-proofing your solar panels. Our years of experience mean that we can easily recognise some of the warning signs and deliver personalised advice for your home. Get in touch with our team today for an obligation-free chat about how we might be able to help you.
