- Updated On: July 30, 2025
Bird Nesting: Tips to Keep Your Solar Panels Safe from Birds
Switching to solar energy is a smart move for lower utility bills and grid independence but these panels are also appealing for some unwanted guests. Birds, and especially pigeons and starlings, consider the space under rooftop panels the perfect bird nesting ground. What seems to be a cozy roost for birds may become a costly headache for you. From clogged drainage systems and chewed electrical cables to lost panel efficiency and messy droppings, bird nests under solar panels are significant hazards. If you’ve noticed increased bird activity around your solar array, it’s time to take action. Keeping birds off of nesting is not only about protecting your panels, but about protecting your solar system and keeping in working efficiently.
We will explore the impacts of bird nesting on your home energy system’s efficiency. If you are already facing this issue, we will share some useful tips to keep birds away from your system.
How bird nesting impacts solar panel efficiency?
Bird poop can reduce the efficiency of your rooftop solar. The photovoltaic cells in solar panels might undergo serious damage from the uric acid in bodily waste. This can result in problems like hot spots in which solar cells appear to be consuming energy rather than generating it.
Another problem is an etching, a form of dropping that can even remain on panels after cleaning. Bird droppings should be instantly removed to avoid harm. If you live in such areas, you should clean your solar panels once a week to maintain the efficiency level.
How to stop birds from nesting under a solar energy system?
If you’re having issues with bird nesting under your solar panels or just want to be proactive about it, here are some useful tips.
1-Galvanized Steel Mesh for your Residential Solar Energy System
A galvanized steel mesh is one of the most common and effective products for keeping birds away from panels. The mesh clips to the sides of the solar panels and keeps the birds from getting underneath. Also, the mesh is weather tested. As a result, it should be able to withstand even the most severe storms and winds for a long time. Furthermore, the mesh allows air to move beneath the solar panels.
2- Bird Netting around your Solar Panels
Similarly, another option for preventing birds from nesting is to use bird netting. It acts as a barrier and prevents birds from entering their preferred spot. A good, thick net enables light to get through, is simple to build, and covers the entire space, preventing the birds from landing. The only disadvantage is that netting does not last as long as mesh and hence must be examined and replaced regularly.
3-Decoy Animals for Threatening Birds
Further, the animal decoy is one of the most popular, yet effective, methods of keeping birds away from the panels. Most decoys are inexpensive, and sometimes just the shape of an owl may suffice. The only problem is that if the decoy remains static for a long period, the birds will consider it dead. As a result, you’ll have to shift it around, which may not be viable.
Moreover, another alternative is to use rubber snakes. Snakes are terrible for birds. So, they will always avoid them. They are available for as cheap as $1. Spread the rubber snakes all over your roof & underneath your PV solar system. Also, they are hidden and have no visual impact on your home.
4-Bird Spikes for your Solar Panels
Bird spikes are another solution for getting rid of birds under solar. You can purchase them online. You can use bird spikes to prevent birds from building nests beneath the panels. While stainless steel spikes may not be sufficient and can be unattractive, they work well in conjunction with netting to stop birds. Birds will not be able to land on your solar roof if you line the top of the roof with small spikes and add mesh to the panels.
Similarly, spikes are easy to set up, but they aren’t the most attractive of home decorations. Likewise, bird spikes come in a variety of sizes and are usually highly effective in deterring birds by making it uncomfortable for them to sit in their preferred location.
5-Always Keep your Home Garden Neat & Clean
Keeping your lawn clean is a good way to prevent birds from nesting on your solar panels. You should make sure there is no waste in your garden. This would be unattractive for the birds. Also, wash the area around your solar panels regularly to remove any trash that has gathered.
It’s also important to keep any bins around your home properly covered so that birds can’t get to them. For this plan to work, you must clear anything that birds might eat from your garden.
6-Clean your Solar Panels Regularly
Maintaining the cleanliness of your panels is only one aspect of being proactive. Birds will be less likely to nest in a solar panel array that is in good, clean, and working condition.
7-Odors to Prevent Birds from Nesting
There are a variety of odors that can keep birds away from your rooftop panels. Garlic, cayenne pepper, and peppermint oil are all proven to be bird repellents, and they’re all organic.
What is the most effective technology to tackle bird nesting?
Laser technology is the solution for protecting solar systems from birds nesting. It has proven its effectiveness over time. An automated laser is a good approach to keep birds away from solar panels. Unlike humans, birds cannot see laser beams. It poses a considerably greater visual danger than just a dot when they see the entire beam moving toward them. Most birds find it unpleasant and they nearly always flee right away.
Automated lasers can be fully customized and programmed, preventing birds from becoming habituated to and adapting to a specific pattern. Additionally, the laser can cover a large area and is quiet and clean. This results in less need for solar panel cleaning.
Overall, birds may seriously damage solar panels, and their waste can lower the output of solar panels. To protect your solar investment and guarantee that your solar panels are operating effectively, bird proofing is essential. If you don’t think you’ll be able to get rid of the problem on your own, contact an expert. Just keep in mind that anything that reduces the effectiveness of your solar panels will eventually impact your wallet.
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