Buyers Guide to BirdBlocker (Bird Proofing)

Why Bird Proofing Matters

Installing solar panels is a smart investment, but they can become an unintended shelter for birds. Birds nesting under panels can cause a variety of problems, from reduced efficiency to fire hazards.

Nesting materials, droppings, and debris can accumulate beneath the panels, potentially leading to overheating and decreased airflow, negatively impacting energy output. Additionally, bird activity can cause long-term structural damage to the panels and the roof, leading to costly repairs.

That’s where BirdBlocker comes in—a practical, eco-friendly, and humane solution to keep birds away without harming them. By blocking off access to the underside of your solar panels, BirdBlocker ensures that birds do not use the space for nesting, ultimately preserving the lifespan and efficiency of your solar investment.

Benefits of BirdBlocker

BirdBlocker is an innovative bird-proofing system consisting of a strip with flexible fingers attached to the frame of solar panels. These fingers extend downward to the roof, creating a secure barrier that prevents birds from gaining entry underneath the panels. The design is adaptable to various panel heights and works on both traditional and box-design frames.

BirdBlocker offers several advantages over traditional bird deterrents:

| Protects Your Solar Panel System

• Prevents nesting, maintaining proper airflow and cooling under the panels
  
• Reduces the risk of fire from dried nesting materials near high temperatures
  
• Minimizes maintenance costs by preventing debris buildup and damage
  
• Enhances hygiene and aesthetics, avoiding bird droppings and mess
  
• Dissuades other pests, such as rodents, which are attracted to bird nests

Less Bird Activity = Less Bird Droppings. Bird droppings are highly acidic and can degrade the surface of solar panels over time, reducing energy production and making cleaning a frequent necessity.

Furthermore, nesting materials often contain flammable debris, increasing the risk of fire hazards, especially during hot and dry conditions. By eliminating these issues, BirdBlocker provides a long-term, low-maintenance solution for solar panel owners.

| Eco-Friendly & Humane

• Made from recyclable, UV-resistant HDPE material
  
• Encourages birds to nest in more natural habitats instead of artificial structures
  
• Unlike spikes, BirdBlocker does not harm birds

| Compared to other "solutions"

Many bird-proofing solutions, such as bird spikes or mesh wiring, can injure birds or create entanglement risks. BirdBlocker is designed to be non-invasive and safe, ensuring that birds find different places to nest rather than suffer harm. This makes it an ethical choice for homeowners who want to protect their solar panels without negatively impacting local wildlife.

| BirdBlocker Sizes & Coverage

BirdBlocker comes in three different sizes to accommodate various solar panel installations:

Each size is designed to provide optimal coverage while ensuring that the solar panels maintain proper ventilation. The fingers of the BirdBlocker strips allow airflow, preventing overheating while still blocking access for birds and small animals.

| Additional Features

• Comes "pre-clipped" with mounting clips for easy installation
  
• Strip width: 50cm
  
• Compatible with all common solar panel frames, including traditional and box-design frames (BoxClip required for box-design)
  
• 10-year warranty ensures long-term protection
  
• Ideal for pitched roofs, which birds find attractive for nesting

Solar panels installed on pitched roofs are particularly vulnerable to nesting birds, as the angle and sun exposure make them an attractive location. BirdBlocker is specifically designed to work with pitched roofs, ensuring comprehensive protection regardless of installation type. Still, BirdBlocker works with flat roofs as well.

How Much BirdBlocker Do You Need?

Unsure which BirdBlocker to choose? Measure your setup and use our guide below to determine the best fit. Finding out what lengths and sizes you need is very important for a successful installation!

| Step 1: Measure Panel Depth

Before purchasing BirdBlocker, you must determine the depth of your solar panels from the roof. Each BirdBlocker model has coverage limits: 

• BirdBlocker 85mm: Coverage between 45mm - 80mm
• BirdBlocker 125mm: Max coverage is 115mm
• BirdBlocker 200mm: Max coverage is 190mm

Choosing the correct size ensures that there are no gaps or weak spots where birds might still be able to squeeze through. Measure your max distance between roof and panel to find which you need.

BirdBlocker 125mm is the most common option.

| Step 2: Measure Your Solar Array Perimeter

To determine how much BirdBlocker you need, calculate the total perimeter of your solar panel array. It is recommended to add 10% extra to accommodate any adjustments during installation.

Minimum BirdBlocker Needed & Perimeter Formula:

• Minimum Amount Needed = (( Panel Width × Number of Exposed Short Sides ) + ( Panel Length × Number of Exposed Long Sides )) × 1.1
• Simplified: ((   Pw  ×  Ns  ) + (  Pl  ×  Nl  )) × 1.1 

BirdBlocker comes in 30m and 10m lengths—purchase accordingly.

| Example Calculation for a Standard Setup

• Panel dimensions: 2m x 2.8m
  
• 12 panels in a 4x3 layout
  
• Minimum size needed: ((2 * 8) + (2.8 * 6)) * 1.1 = 36.08m
  
• BirdBlocker Needed: One 30m box and one 10m box

Proper measurement ensures that you purchase the right amount without wasting material or falling short during installation.

What You Need for Installation

| Tools & Equipment

• Ruler or Measuring Tape – To measure panel height and total perimeter
  
• BirdBlocker Installation Tool – To attach clips securely
  
• Rounded shears (pruning shears recommended) – To cut the strips if needed
  
• Appropriate safety equipment – Follow all roof safety precautions
  
• Proper clips for your frame
  
  • Traditional frames – Use standard pre-installed clips
    
  • Box-Design frames – Order BoxClips for a proper fit

We also offer the BirdBlocker StarterKit with all the tools needed

Installation is straightforward and does not require specialized skills, but working at heights can be risky. If you are not comfortable installing BirdBlocker yourself, consider hiring a professional to ensure a safe and secure installation.

For a complete installation guide, visit: BirdBlocker Installation Manual

Understanding Box-Design Frames

Solar panels generally come in two frame types:

• Traditional Frames – Have a flange/lip that mounting clips can attach to.
  
• Box-Design Frames – Lack the flange, requiring special mounting solutions.

Box-design frames are a newer style of solar panel frames that do not have the usual attachment points for mounting clips. This is why BirdBlocker offers BoxClips. Without BoxClips, BirdBlocker may not be securely fastened on box-design frames, reducing its effectiveness.

| Using BoxClips for Box-Design Frames

If you have a box-design frame, you will need BoxClips to properly secure BirdBlocker. These clips are specifically designed to work with box-design frames, ensuring a firm and lasting attachment.

Manage Cables with CableFixPro

BirdBlocker works effortlessly with CableFixPro, a smart cable management solution that protects and organizes solar panel wiring. Proper cable routing is essential when installing a bird deterrent, ensuring wires remain secure. CableFixPro simplifies this by fastening cables neatly beneath the panels, preventing exposure to birds or the elements. 

Built to be compatible with BirdBlocker, CableFixPro creates a streamlined defense—blocking access while keeping your system organized and protected. This combination provides comprehensive protection, reducing maintenance needs and extending the lifespan of your solar system. For homeowners and installers, using BirdBlocker alongside CableFixPro is a smart way to enhance durability and efficiency.

Shop CableFixPro for Proper Cable Management Today

In Summary

Investing in BirdBlocker is a smart way to protect your solar panels, maintain system efficiency, and ensure a clean, bird-free installation. Birds and small animals can cause long-term damage to solar panels if left unchecked, leading to decreased energy production and costly repairs.

With its easy installation, durable materials, and eco-friendly design, BirdBlocker is the best solution for keeping birds out while allowing your solar panels to perform at their best. Whether you have a traditional or box-design frame, BirdBlocker ensures comprehensive protection while preserving the integrity of your solar energy system.