Birds Might Be Ruining Your Solar Installations – Find Out How

More and more homeowners are investing in their homes through solar panels. However, one often overlooked aspect is the potential damage that birds and other wildlife can inflict on these systems. What might seem like a minor nuisance—like a bird building a nest or leaving droppings—can escalate into serious issues. 

These problems can lead to:

• Short circuits
• Fire hazards
• Lower energy output
• Decreased ventilation

All of these factors can undercut the benefits gained from your solar energy system.

Fortunately, there are effective strategies to protect your solar panels from avian-related damage. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways birds and other animals can threaten your solar setup and provide practical solutions to safeguard your investment. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy without worrying about unexpected wildlife-related disruptions.

What damages do birds cause to solar panels?

Birds can pose a significant threat to solar panels, primarily through their nesting behaviors and droppings. When birds find a suitable spot under your solar installations, they may build nests in the gaps between panels and roofs. This will obstruct the airflow necessary for cooling and potentially lead to overheating the solar cells, decreasing their efficiency. 

Additionally, accumulated debris from nesting materials can create a breeding ground for pests and promote mold growth, further impacting the panels' performance. 

The droppings left by birds are acidic and can damage the protective coating on solar panels, leading to corrosion over time. This affects the panels' aesthetic appeal and can create unintended maintenance issues if left unchecked. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to mitigate these risks but consider installing bird deterrents to prevent nests from forming in the first place. 

By addressing these challenges head on, you can safeguard your investments and ensure optimal energy production.

Bird nests under solar panels are a covert threat

You might think it’s no big deal to have a bird's nest under your solar panel, but be warned, it can create some major headaches. Birds often see that cozy space as the perfect spot to build their homes—it's dry, warm, and keeps them safe from predators. But while it seems like a nice little setup for them, it can really mess with your solar panels. 

While birds typically start nesting in early spring when temperatures are moderate, rising temperatures can create an excessively hot environment under the panels. This heat buildup may lead to the nestlings overheating, making it difficult for them to survive.

In the long run, that adorable nest can lead to serious issues that affect how well your solar system works. Here are just a few:

| Damaged wires: 

When birds nest under your panel, they constantly come and go, bringing in twigs and sharp items, increasing the chance of damage to your valuable wiring, connectors, or foil. Just one small gash in the wrong spot might lead to a short circuit for a whole panel or the entire system!

| Reduced ventilation:

The buildup from a growing nest can block necessary airflow for your panels, leading to them overheating. This will, in turn, reduce the efficiency and longevity of your system.

| Fire hazards: 

Many of the materials brought under your panels—twigs, grass, bark, and leaves—were already drying out and becoming increasingly flammable. This heightens the risk of a fire hazard, especially when situated close to electrical components.

Secret Effects of Bird Droppings

Once our feathered friends have created a home under your panels, their droppings can make a significant mess. While the droppings pile up, they block sunlight from reaching the solar cells, so your solar panels can’t do their job effectively. It’s simple math: less sunlight equals less energy, decreasing potential from your solar setup.

Plus, there’s a sneaky side to bird droppings that many don’t realize. They contain acidic substances that can corrode the surface of your panels over time. This damage isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it can lead to costly repairs down the line. 

For businesses, the stakes are even higher; dirty or damaged solar panels can hurt their professional image and make them look less appealing to customers. So, while we enjoy the beauty of birds flitting around, it’s important to remember how they can affect our solar setups and take steps to keep those panels in tip-top shape!

Birds aren’t your only problem...

It’s not just the birds you have to worry about when it comes to solar panels—squirrels and martens can be a real headache, too! These little guys have some seriously sharp teeth and can chew through your wiring like it’s a snack. Just picture it: you wake up one morning and find your solar setup offline because a marten decided to have some fun under your panels. Frustrating! 

The good news is that you don’t have to let these critters ruin your solar experience. A simple barrier can go a long way in keeping them at arm’s length. They can be pretty tenacious creatures, so not many bird proofing can keep them out totally, but the deterrent usually suffices! 

By taking some preventive steps, you can save yourself from unexpected repairs and power outages. It’s always better to be proactive and nudge those pests away than to scramble for solutions later on!

Our Solution for You: BirdBlocker

If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to protect your solar panels, check out BirdBlocker! This bird barrier system is designed specifically to keep birds out from under your panels. Though, not its original purpose, it can often help with larger animals like squirrels and martens too. It’s a smart solution to help keep your solar setup safe and sound!

Invest in your investment today: Shop BirdBlocker Bird Proofing

Key Strengths:

• Customizable Protection: With sturdy plastic strips can be clipped with a shear, BirdBlocker can be cut to any size you need. Prevent entry to birds on any standard solar roof setup
• Maintain Proper Ventilation: Creates a barrier that ensures sufficient airflow yet blocks birds from passing through.
• Durable & strong: The material is strong enough to resist gnawing, pecking, sharp claws and other attempts at damage. Moreover, the product is 100% recyclable.
• Easy to Install: Installing BirdBlocker is simple and can be done without complicated tools (check out the starter kit to see what we mean)

"Prevention is Better Than Cure"

You wouldn't have invested in your money into a solar installation if you didn't expect to maintain it long-term. One of the best ways to shield your panels from damage is by installing bird protection, like BirdBlocker. It’s a simple step now that can spare you the hassle and high costs of repairs or replacements down the road.

But what if you’ve already noticed unwelcome feathered friends making themselves at home under your panels? Don't wait too long to act! Reaching out to a professional can help you tackle the problem before it gets worse, ensuring your solar system stays in top shape. 

Taking care of these thing early can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration in the future. It’s all about getting ahead of potential issues and keeping your solar investment shining bright!

Protect your solar panels with BirdBlocker

If you’ve got solar panels, you might not think about the little critters and creatures that could be causing some serious trouble up there. Birds making nests, droppings piling up, or a sneaky squirrel taking up residence can really wreak havoc on your investment. But don’t stress—there’s an easy fix! Meet BirdBlocker, your new best friend in bird protection. It’s designed to keep those pesky issues at bay, ensuring your solar panels stay clean and efficient.

Picture this: no more worrying about the birds taking over under your panels and dealing with the mess they leave behind. With BirdBlocker, you not only safeguard your solar investment but also boost your peace of mind. Curious about how it all works? Check out our website to dive into the fantastic benefits of our innovative solution! You’ll be glad you did, and your solar panels will thank you too.