5 Effective Strategies To Keep Pigeons From Nesting Under Your Solar Panels

Solar panels are a smart investment, providing clean energy and savings on electricity bills. However, they often attract unwanted guests—pigeons, squirrels, and other critters. Pigeons nesting is more than just a nuisance; it can become costly if left unaddressed. It is crucial to understand why pigeons are drawn to your solar panels and how their presence impacts your system. Knowing how to prevent or remove these nests effectively will ensure your solar system performs optimally.

This blog will explore why pigeons love nesting under solar panels and its impact on panel efficiency. We will also provide practical, long-term strategies to remove and prevent pigeons from disrupting your solar energy system.

Why Do Pigeons Nest Under Solar Panels?

Like many birds, pigeons seek safe and sheltered places to nest, and solar panels offer the perfect environment for them. Here’s why pigeons are particularly attracted to solar panels:

• Protection from Predators: Solar panels create a safe space between the panels and the roof, shielding pigeons from predators like hawks and owls.
• Shelter from the Weather: The space beneath solar panels provides a dry and cozy shelter, protecting pigeons from harsh weather conditions such as rain, heat, and wind.
• Easy Access to Building Materials: Rooftops often offer easy access to trees, making collecting debris such as twigs and leaves easy for pigeons to gather nesting materials nearby.
• Warmth: Solar panels absorb heat, especially during the day, making the area beneath them a warm spot for pigeons to nest, incubate and raise their young.

While these factors make solar panels an ideal nesting location for pigeons, their presence can have significant consequences.

Impact on Solar Panel Efficiency due to Pigeon Nesting

Pigeon nests are not only an eyesore but can also affect the performance and longevity of your solar panels. Here are some ways in which pigeon nesting impacts solar panel efficiency:

• Debris and Dirt Build-Up: Pigeons often bring nesting materials like twigs, leaves, and feathers, which can accumulate under and around the solar panels. This debris can obstruct sunlight from hitting the photovoltaic cells, diminishing their capacity to generate electricity.
• Corrosion and Damage: Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can corrode metal components of the solar panels over time. This corrosion can lead to costly repairs and even shorten the lifespan of the panels. More importantly, these droppings will burn through roofing material over time, cause roof rot, and will require high cost repairs to your home’s roof. 
• Blocked Airflow: Solar panels require proper airflow around panels to prevent overheating. Pigeon nests block ventilation, causing the panels to overheat, reducing their efficiency and increasing the risk of damage.
• Fire Hazards: Nesting materials are flammable, and when combined with the heat generated by solar panels, they can pose a fire risk. Ensuring your panels remain clear of debris is crucial for safety.
• Increased Maintenance Costs: When pigeons nest under solar panels, regular cleaning and maintenance become necessary. This leads to increased operational costs, which can diminish the financial benefits of your solar investment.

How to Effectively Remove Pigeons Nesting Under Solar Panels

Dealing with pigeons nesting under your solar panels can be a persistent challenge, but the most effective solution is installing critter guards for solar panels and seeking professional pigeon cleanup services. Here’s how to ensure your solar panels remain pigeon-free:

1. Install a Critter Guard for Solar Panels

The most reliable way to prevent pigeons from nesting under your solar panels is by installing a critter guard for solar panels. These durable mesh barriers block pigeons from accessing the space beneath your panels without interfering with their efficiency.

• Why Critter Guards Work: A critter solar guard creates a physical barrier that pigeons cannot breach, protecting your solar system. It allows for necessary airflow while keeping pests out, making it a long-lasting and highly effective solution.
• Installation Tips: For optimal protection, contact a reputable company to install your bird barrier. They will make sure the solar critter guard is securely attached around the entire perimeter of your solar array without damaging your panels or interfering with the systems’ efficiency. This eliminates any gaps that pigeons could exploit to nest under your panels.

2. Hire Professional Pigeon Cleanup Services

If pigeons have already established nests under your solar panels, consulting professional pigeon cleanup services is crucial. Experts can safely remove the nests and install a critter guard to prevent future nesting, ensuring your system continues to function at peak performance.

Why Choose Professional Services?  Professional pigeon removal and cleanup ensures the humane removal of pigeons and thorough inspection of your solar panels for any damage. Pigeons have an amazing sense of smell, and have the scent of their feces and homes embedded in their brains to keep them coming back. If the removal and cleanup is not properly done, they will return. After removing the nests and all remnants of the pigeons, they can install critter guards for solar panels to offer long-term protection and peace of mind.

3. Other Deterrent Methods (Supplementary Options)

While the focus should be on critter guards for solar panels and professional cleanup, you might consider additional deterrents as supplementary temporary measures:

• Bird Optical Repellents: These repellents are made with products that have a scent that pigeons don’t like. They will work for short-term periods, but will decrease in effectiveness as wind and rain cause dilution. 
• Ultrasonic Devices: Emit sounds or electrical shocks that irritate pigeons but are inaudible to humans. Very expensive and often require low level electrical lines.Emit sounds that irritate pigeons but are inaudible to humans.
• Permanent Netting: If you have areas of your roof like eaves that are homes to pigeons, a permanent netting solution may be an effective method for deterring pigeons from being able to land in those areas.

These products have been used often in the past, but do not work effectively:

• Bird Decoys and Spinners: Visual deterrents like plastic owls can discourage pigeons from nesting for only a short period of time. They do not work as a long-term solution.
• Bird Spikes: These can help deter pigeons from landing on your roof in only specific, smaller areas or roof peaks.  Using them as a solution to block pigeons from getting underneath your panels is not recommended.

These are just temporary solutions for getting rid of pigeons nesting under solar panels. However, the ONLY permanent solution is to install a Bird Barrier, also called Critter Guard or Pigeon Guard by Wash Me Solar. This involves a hard-wired mesh encircling the entire perimeter of your solar array. Since pigeons only need about a 2-inch gap to gain access, it’s crucial to seal all potential entry points.

It may take a few weeks for the birds to realize they have been evicted, but with a Pigeon Guard installed, you can effectively deter pigeons from nesting under your solar panels. This not only helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of your solar energy system but also protects your home and family from the mess pigeons can leave behind.

Keep Your Solar Panels Pigeon-Free for Peak Efficiency

Pigeons may seem harmless, but their nesting under solar panels can cause significant problems that affect your investment and your roof’s integrity. Taking proactive measures, such as installing a critter guard for solar panels, can save you from costly repairs and maintain the efficiency of your solar energy system.

Remember, a small investment in preventive measures can go a long way in ensuring that your solar panels continue to provide you with clean energy for years to come.

Don’t wait for the pigeons to take over your solar panels! Contact Wash Me Solar today to install a solar critter guard and protect your investment.