Rooftop solar systems are transforming how businesses and homeowners generate electricity. It helps to reduce electric bills, provides clean energy, and offers ongoing returns from solar production credits like SRECs and TRECs. But one unexpected threat that often goes unnoticed, birds. Pest birds don’t just leave a mess. They can cut your system performance by as much as 50%. That’s a big hit to your return on investment. Fortunately, a major advance in solar energy technology is solving this growing problem.
The Hidden Damage Birds Cause to Rooftop Solar Installations
Pest birds are more than just an eyesore. The warmth of panels attracts them, while the space under arrays offers cozy shelter.
They cause:
- Production drops by 10%, 20% or even 50%
- Added costs for cleaning
- Permanent damage from hot spots
- Shattered panels from dropped debris
- Workers are unable to perform maintenance
- Blocked drains and roof leaks
This is especially true for those with solar panels installed on roof areas near landfills, factories, or water sources. If you’ve ever wondered, “is my roof good for solar?” don’t forget to consider local wildlife habits before installation.
Where and why do birds strike rooftop solar systems?
Solar sites near landfills, food facilities, or water bodies face the highest risks. Birds return to long-used nesting spots, especially after installation activities stop. Nesting birds can be aggressive and protective, making deterrents ineffective once they settle.
Once birds find a comfortable space, they return year after year. Nesting under your panels can lead to long-term damage. If your system is already in place, you might struggle to remove them, especially during nesting season. This makes prevention vital, particularly when planning to install solar panels roof-wide in high-risk zones. That’s why early prevention is key in rooftop solar planning.
Failed Bird Control Methods
Old-school bird deterrents like:
- Reflective discs
- Propane cannons
- Noise systems
- Fake predators
These methods don’t work long-term. Birds grow used to them or simply ignore them. For wide-roof installations, gullwire grid systems, elevated cables forming artificial ceilings, were once the go-to. But they’re expensive and tricky during maintenance. And for modern systems using new solar panel technology, any added complexity can reduce the overall efficiency.
Game-Changer: Laser Bird Control for Rooftop Solar
Laser bird deterrent systems are now being used for commercial rooftop solar projects. Originally built for protecting crops, this system uses a green laser beam, which appears solid to birds. It causes them to flee as if a real object is approaching.
How it works?
- The unit looks like a surveillance camera
- A custom program sets laser patterns and timing
- Operates automatically, safely, and silently
The result? A 90% drop in bird population, without harm and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. It’s a practical application of topcon solar technology, built to keep your panels clean and productive.
When should you act?
If your solar panel on the roof already has birds, don’t delay. The longer birds settle in, the harder it becomes to remove them. Moreover, actions must comply with wildlife laws, especially during nesting season. That’s why early planning matters. Before adding solar panels for my roof, consider where you live and what species may target your property. You can explore more tips to keep your solar panels safe from birds to stay one step ahead.
Pro Tip: Build Bird Prevention into your Plan
Ask yourself early: is this the best roof for solar panels? Beyond sun exposure, think about bird traffic, tree cover, and access to water. These details help you create a smarter setup.
Furthermore, before installation, assess the bird risk. Add bird deterrent systems to your Soiling Mitigation Plan. You may even roll it into your solar financing, tax rebates, or incentives. It’s a smart move and one that protects your energy investment long-term. especially if your roof for solar panels has already shown signs of bird visits.
To conclude, Birds may seem harmless, but they can drain your solar ROI fast. With the new laser-based solution, you can protect your rooftop solar investment effectively and affordably. If you operate in bird-heavy zones, consider laser deterrents early on. That way, your system stays clean, safe, and power-packed just as it should be.
News Source: Solar Power World