Pigeons Nesting Under Solar Panels? A Guide for Solar Owners
Preventing Pigeons from Nesting Under Solar Panels
Pigeon nests under solar panels are a problem for the installation, energy efficiency, and the pigeons’ own safety. Solar panel owners often ask what they can do to prevent pigeons from nesting and if there are any restrictions around pigeon deterrence. This guide answers these questions and provides insights into effective preventive measures and solutions if pigeons are already nesting under your solar panels.
Why Do Pigeons Nest Under Solar Panels?
Pigeons in urban and rural settings are drawn to the warmth and shelter solar panels provide. Popular pigeon species in the Netherlands, such as the rock pigeon in cities and wood pigeons in rural areas, find solar panels ideal for protection against the elements and predators. However, this cozy setup leads to issues for solar panel owners and poses risks for the birds.
Pigeons breed year-round, with peak activity in spring and autumn. With nests made of twigs and straw, along with the accumulation of droppings, these under-panel spaces become highly flammable. Additionally, pigeon droppings are acidic and can corrode cables, connectors, and panel surfaces, leading to reduced solar efficiency, unpleasant odors, and even potential fire hazards
The Impact of Pigeon Nests on Solar Panel Efficiency
Pigeon nests under solar panels can reduce solar efficiency significantly. The nest blocks air circulation, causing panel temperatures to rise significantly in warmer months. This overheating decreases panel output exponentially, accelerating aging and reducing the lifespan of your system. Nesting materials may also scratch or damage panel surfaces, further compromising performance.
The droppings accumulate with every flight, casting shadows on the panels and reducing energy absorption. In short, pigeon nests not only lower energy output but can also lead to costly damage to your solar investment
For the cables and connectors, the constant movement, picking, but mainly the acidic feces cause corrosion and faults over time. In combination with arid nesting materials, this is a pressure cooker of hazardous ingredients.
Why Pigeon Proofing Solar Panels is Humane
Some might wonder if denying pigeons a nice nesting place is harmful and cruel. In fact, it’s a safer option for the birds as well. In the summer, temperatures under solar panels can exceed 70 degrees Celsius, effectively cooking eggs and endangering chicks. Adult pigeons often abandon these nests due to the intense heat, only to return each season to the same location with the same tragic results. The eggs and chicks wither away, attracting pests, rodents and small predators like Martens that love cables. Installing a bird deterrent system helps prevent these cycles and encourages pigeons to nest in safer environments.
How to Stop Pigeons from Nesting Under Solar Panels
BirdBlocker Bird Deterrent Solution: BirdBlocker offers a practical, long-term solution that prevents pigeons and other birds from nesting under solar panels. Known as "bird scrap," this system uses a durable plastic strip with upright plastic spikes installed at the edges of your panels.
These spikes are reinforced with connecting bridges at strategic points, making it difficult for birds to push through or break them. Designed to be UV- and frost-resistant, BirdBlocker offers a 10-year material warranty, ensuring robust protection through all seasons.
Protect your panels today! Shop BirdBlocker
You can opt for a DIY installation with BirdBlocker or rely on professional services for a hassle-free setup. Either way, this high-quality deterrent system maintains ventilation under the panels, optimizing panel efficiency and protecting both your investment and the birds.
Secure Your Solar Panels with BirdBlocker
Investing in a bird-proofing solution like BirdBlocker is an effective way to maintain the safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of your solar panels. Not only does this solution deter pigeons, but it also supports a more sustainable setup by protecting your panels’ performance and extending their lifespan.
