Solar panels are a high-value investment that, unfortunately, can be vulnerable to damage by birds. One of the things your solar panel salesperson may not have mentioned is that this type of damage is unlikely to be covered by your warranty. Considering the high cost of solar panels, this is a problem you’ll want to avoid.
The good news is that there are ways you can prevent birds from nesting underneath your solar panels. Some of these methods are more effective than others, while others are more natural and preventive. We provide detailed explanations for each measure within the article, so please scroll down for more information on each method. But here are the top 10 ways to stop birds nesting under your solar panels:
- Block wall and roof cavities
- Solar Panel Bird Mesh
- Hang shiny or reflective objects around your solar panels.
- Use foil
- Fake owls
- Remove water pools around your home.
- Remove old nests
- Add crushed chillies around the panel
- Sound devices
Speak to us about getting bird proofing installed for your home.
DIY Bird Proofing Methods & Devices
Deterring birds from nesting in the first place is a preferred situation for all. The most effective solution is to create a physical barrier around the solar panel.
1. Solar Panel Bird Mesh
Compared to the high cost and inconvenience of replacing a damaged solar panel, installing our bird mesh is a very modest cost. It’s going to save you from a lot of problems, and it is the best product for the job because it doesn’t interfere with the solar energy collection potential of your solar panels.
The quality of the mesh is very important. If you use an inferior mesh, you will definitely get inferior results. If the mesh is not strong, it won’t really protect your panels, and in fact, you’ll lose even more money because the mesh itself would be damaged. If the mesh is not fine enough, it will allow bird or vermin to get through, again defeating the purpose. And if the mesh is too fine, the air won’t be able to circulate properly, reducing the efficiency of the panel.
Aussie Gutter Protection makes the best solar panel mesh because we design it with the needs of the solar user in mind. Clearly, there are two important priorities, which are making sure the panel can do its job and making sure the panel is adequately protected. We believe these are both equally important, which is why you can depend on our mesh for the ultimate in performance and durability.
2. Block wall and roof cavities
Block up any spaces in your roof or walls where birds may nest. Netting, wood and wire mesh are good options. Remember, birds can get into the smallest of spaces. Gutter guards are the most effective products on the market that prevent birds from finding their way into your roof, gutters, and other spaces – and most homes can be offered a 100% bird-proofing solution.
3. Shiny or reflective objects
It is well known that birds may sometimes be afraid of shiny or reflective items. Placing small, cheap mirrors where birds tend to nest may create an efficient deterrent to nesting in that particular location. Do keep in mind that mirrors could also create an annoyance for you or for others depending on how you position them, so you will need to consider the placement carefully. Also, be sure to prioritise your safety when performing any installation work at heights.
4. Foil
You can also try hanging a long piece of foil from eaves or trees, which will reflect in the sun, and this will work for many species of birds. There are, however, some species that may actually be attracted to these foil strips, and it is possible they may even attempt to steal the foil for nesting material. Fortunately, those species aren’t usually keen to make their nests in buildings.
5. Fake owls
Other deterrents could include fake figures such as cats or owls, as these tend to work by scaring the birds off. Be sure to move these items around your property occasionally, as birds will eventually figure out that they are not a threat if you leave them sitting in one place for too long.
6. Removing water pools
Like us, birds need water to live. Removing any pooling water such as birdbaths and pet water bowls will make your home environment less attractive to birds. They will then most likely look for a more promising site to make their nests. Keeping your gutters clean and free of leaves and other debris is also a good idea. Naturally, if removing pooling water is not ideal, a more permanent solution should be sought.
7. Remove old nests
Most of the time, when you spot a nest, it is best to remove it as soon as possible (be careful working at heights). The birds will learn that your roof is a hostile environment. You maybe be required to do this several times before the bird gets the message. When you have removed the nest, give the area a good clean – birds are known to harbour diseases. The exception is when the nest contains eggs or chicks. In this case, you may have a more serious problem, as many bird species are protected or endangered. The goal is not to harm the birds, but to discourage them from nesting in our home environment. If the nest is not empty when you inspect it, you should not handle it personally and should instead call your state wildlife protection service for advice and assistance.
8. Crushed chili
People have reported varying success using crushed chilli in areas where birds build their nests. Mix a couple of chillies with water, let them ferment in the sun for a while, then transfer them into a spray bottle and spray the problem areas.
9. Sound Devices
Numerous sound devices on the market mimic a bird’s distress call, warning birds away from your property. However, birds are quite adept at discerning which calls are genuine, so these methods aren’t always 100 percent effective. While other loud noises may annoy birds, you should also keep in mind that those same noises will annoy your neighbours, too. Another thing to note is that birds don’t have particularly good hearing, so tactics that work with other animals, such as playing ultrasonic sounds, won’t be effective with birds. The frequency range of their hearing is actually narrower than that of humans.
Speak to us about getting bird proofing installed for your home.
Why Birds are a problem for solar panels
Even with rebates, solar panels are not cheap. In addition to being relatively expensive, they’re also vulnerable to damage from many possible sources. Birds certainly can potentially cause considerable damage to solar energy systems, and they can also hurt themselves when they come into contact with these systems. That can, in turn, lead to more problems, especially if you’ve got a dead bird (or two) sitting on your roof for a long time and you don’t know about it.
Have you ever wondered how birds in flight have such accuracy when they use the windscreen of your car for a toilet? It’s because many species of birds prefer to do their toilet business in water if they can, and they easily mistake the shiny reflective glass of a windscreen for a puddle of water. Solar panels have a similar shiny and reflective surface that can fool birds into thinking this is some kind of water, so you can get the same problem.
Actually, it is much worse than the windscreen problem, because solar panels are much more valuable, much more difficult to clean, and much more sensitive to the damaging effects than windscreen glass is.
The acids in the guano can damage the surface of the solar cell (some types of solar cells will damage more easily than others), and no matter what, this stuff will always decrease the efficiency of the cells.
Heavy birds can cause physical damage to the panel when they land on it. Their beaks and claws can cause damage to the panels and frames. If they can see any wires sticking out anywhere, they may try to make off with these wires for use as nesting material. Some of the less intelligent and more aggressive species will also try to fight with their own reflections, which they may see as a rival bird encroaching on their territory.
All these problems are extremely bad news for you as a solar panel user if they affect you. For most solar homes, there’s a high chance that eventually one or more bird-related problems will arise. Luckily there are ways available to mitigate the potential for damage.
The main ones are:
- Making sure you buy durable panels in the first place and having them professionally installed;
- Hiding all the wires and other attachments so birds can't get at them;
- Using a high-quality bird mesh to protect the panel surface; and
- Doing everything else you can to discourage birds from landing on or near your panels.
Solar Panel Bird Proofing in the easiest possible way
The best method for protecting your solar panels from birds is to use our bird mesh. We designed and manufactured this product, especially to help with the prevention of this very problem.
The clever engineering methods used to take advantage of the natural properties of the materials used. The high strength effectively prevents access by birds, and the specific design of the mesh allows plenty of light to flow through without interruption.
Our mesh also does not require the use of bolts or adhesives, and the installation method has absolutely no risk of causing any damage to the panels or other infrastructure.
When you think about how much you have invested just in buying the solar panels and other equipment that forms your system, spending just a little more to make sure it’s protected makes perfect sense. It is certainly much better than having to make costly repairs later.
Get your solar mesh installed today.
All our products are designed and tested in Australia. This is your assurance of total quality from start to finish, and how you know you have a product you can depend on.
We also do an expert job of mesh installation, so you need have no worries that there will be any flaws in the installation process and back this up with a written warranty.
To find out more about the bird proofing options for solar panels available through Aussie Gutter Protection, simply get in touch via the phone number on this page or use our contact form to leave a message. Whatever way you get in touch, you can be sure of a prompt response and all the answers you need to assist you in your decision.
Speak to us about getting bird proofing installed for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why target the space under panels at all?
It’s dry, shaded and predator-free ideal nesting habitat for pigeons and starlings.
2. Is noise the only issue?
No. Nesting debris traps moisture, corrodes wiring and can void panel warranties.
3. What’s the single most effective solution?
A purpose-designed solar mesh is installed around the array perimeter
4. Are plastic bird spikes a good alternative?
Spikes deter perching but don’t block access underneath; mesh is more reliable.
5. Will ultrasonic devices work?
Results are inconsistent; birds quickly habituate. Physical exclusion is recommended.
6. Do I need council approval for solar mesh?
No mesh is classed as maintenance, not a structural change.
7. How quickly should I act?
Clean nests before summer; breeding cycles peak in spring and can double the infestation.
8. Can I hose nests away myself?
Removing active nests may breach wildlife regulations; engage a licensed installer who can relocate birds humanely.
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