Although installing solar is unlikely to attract birds to nest under your panels it is a well-known fact that it does happen. Solar panels can be an attractive nesting for birds, especially pigeons who will often find space underneath the panels to nest as it provides a perfect place to help them be protected from the elements. This may seem at first that it wouldn't cause many problems but it can lead to problems in the future if the issue is not resolved. This is why Eve Renewable will always include bird guard with every new install free of charge below you will see the reason for a unique approach to bird guard. If you would like to advantage of looking at a new install with free bird guard, please feel free to contact us.
How Can Birds Impact Solar Panels?
Solar panels can suffer negative effects from having birds and pigeons nesting under them here some of the problems that can be caused by not having bird proofing installed on your solar panel systems.
Potential Damage to the Solar Panels
There are a few ways that birds can cause damage to your panels by using them as a place to nest, birds can often peck at the electrical wires underneath the panels which will lead to electrical issues and can cause problems with the entire string of the solar panel system greatly effecting the generation of the solar panel system. With the generation of the panels being lower you will also lose money by reducing your SEG payments as less electricity will be sent to the grid for payment. Pigeon droppings will not only make the panels look very messy but it also highly acidic. Over time bird droppings with enough intense sunlight can burn into the glass of a solar panels and start developing hot spots. Birds will often make their nests out of dry twigs and bits of paper they find lying around which can all get stuck underneath the panels.
Decrease in Efficiency
One of the main reasons panels loose efficiency while on your roof is due to the impact of dirt and bird droppings on the array. Birds nesting underneath the panels will increase the odds of bird droppings and dirt on your panels reducing the generation of your panels. Not only will it lower the generation putting you into a position that you will be saving less money but you will also have to start getting your solar panels cleaned every year which is another cost. This can make installing bird guard on your system a cost-effective way of reducing future cleaning costs of your solar panel system.
Noise and Mess
Having birds nesting under your panels can also be nuisance for your property and your frame of mind as the last thing anyone would want is a bunch of birds nesting on your roof chirping and scuttering about all day and night. Not only will the birds make a mess of your panels, but they will also spread this mess to your garden and property.
What Types of Bird Proofing Can Help?
As you can see its very important to invest in bird guard for your solar panel system so taking the extra steps to have this installed will leave to longer lasting panels with higher efficiency. There are several ways to install bird guard and several different types but will explain the main three to help you make your decision and they are often the common ways of bird proofing your solar panels.
Bird Mesh Wire
Bird mesh wire is the most popular and cost-effective way of stopping birds and pigeons from nesting under your solar panel system. This is also non-intrusive to your solar panels and does not affect you panels warranty while also being compatible with 99% of the panels on the market. Bird mesh does not cause any damage to the roof or the panels and is relatively quick to install, not only that but it is also the quickest to remove if there was any reason someone would need access to the underneath of your solar panel system. Eve Renewables will install bird mesh free of charge with every solar panel install to prevent any of the issues laid on this blog feel free to contact us.
Solar Panel Skirts
Solar panels skirt although they are aesthetically pleasing are not compatible with a lot of solar panels on the market making them having compatible issues. These systems are also quite rigid meaning that some roofs themselves can cause problems when installing them. Solar panel skirts are made from either high-quality PVC or metal making them very durable and be able to handle most weather conditions. Due to their durability, they will often be the most expensive way of protecting your panels from birds and pigeons.
Bird Spikes
The other form of bird protection is bird spikes these are compatible with most panels and roofs but are very time consuming to install and are often more expensive than bird meshing. Bird spikes do not harm birds in any way they just make it soe the birds cannot get under the panels. People are often put off of bird spiking as the aesthetics of them are a bit off putting to most customers.
How Much Does Bird Proofing Cost?
Bird proofing your solar panel system is a must but what does it cost to bird proof your solar panel system? Bird proofing costs have multiple factors that need to be considered but one of the main factors to keep in mind is when you have it installed. Having bird guard installed during the installation of the panels is far more cost effective than having it done at a later date. The reason for this is mostly the scaffolding that would need to be installed to get access to your roof. During an installation the scaffolding and the fitters would already be on site, having the bird guard installed at later date would mean the company would have to organise scaffolding, equipment and fitters just to add the bird guard. This is one of the reasons why Eve Renewables pride ourselves on installing bird mesh free with every install so you know that you are getting the best service. If you are looking at having an install with bird protection or you are looking at adding bird protection to your current system please feel free to contact us.
What if the Company Says I Don't Need Bird Guard?
There are many companies in the UK that will try and brush off bird guard during their quotes as it adds to the difficulty of the install. They will often prompt you with our panels are low profile so you don't need bird guard which is often not the case the rail that the panels are attached to your roof with are high enough for most birds to get under. This should be a red flag as they are only looking after their own needs and not the needs of the customer.
Which Bird Guard Would You Prefer?
0%Bird Mesh
0%Bird Spikes
0%Solar Skirts
0%No Bird Guard
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