Solar Panel Bird Proofing in the East Midlands

Why do pigeons nest under solar panels?

The gap between a solar panel and the roof is warm, dry and sheltered from predators and weather. For feral pigeons, which can breed all year round, it's an ideal nest site, and once one pair moves in others follow.

The result is noise (cooing and scratching directly above bedrooms), nesting material and droppings piling up under the panels, blocked gutters and stained roofs. Nesting debris can also rub against cables and fixings, and droppings on the panel glass can reduce how much light reaches the cells.

How solar panel bird proofing works

We fit a galvanised or coated wire mesh around the edges of the panel array, closing the gap between panels and roof. The mesh is held with clips that attach to the panel frame, so nothing is drilled into the panels or the roof. It lets air circulate and rain run off, but stops birds getting in.

Before the mesh goes on we remove the nests, droppings and debris from under the panels and clean the area. All materials are UV-resistant and the fixings are stainless steel.

Can you proof panels if pigeons are nesting?

All wild birds, including feral pigeons, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it's an offence to damage or destroy an active nest. So we check for nests with eggs or young before we start. If there's an active nest, we'll advise you on timing and work around it; we never seal birds in under the panels.