The gap between your solar panels and the roof is warm, sheltered and predator-free — which makes it an ideal nesting spot for pigeons and other birds. It might seem harmless, but birds nesting under an array can cause real problems, from mess and noise to damaged cabling. Bird proofing is a simple, unobtrusive fix, and here’s why it’s worth doing.
Why birds under panels are a problem
- Damaged cabling — birds peck at and foul wiring, which can reduce performance or cause faults.
- Mess and staining — droppings build up on panels and roof, cutting generation and staining brickwork below.
- Blocked guttering — nesting material washes into gutters and downpipes, causing blockages.
- Noise and disturbance — cooing, scratching and flapping directly above your ceilings, often early in the morning.
- Roof damage — a persistent colony can lift tiles and damage the roof over time.
How bird proofing works
Bird proofing (sometimes called pigeon proofing) fits a discreet mesh or clip system around the perimeter of your array, closing off the gap so birds can’t get underneath — while still allowing air to circulate and the panels to breathe. Fitted properly it’s barely visible from the ground, doesn’t touch or damage the panels, and doesn’t affect performance. It’s a quick job that saves a lot of hassle down the line.
Best done before birds move in
Proofing is easiest and most effective before a colony establishes itself. If birds have already nested, the area needs to be cleared and cleaned first — which we can also handle — before the mesh goes on. Either way, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later, as an established colony is harder to move on and does more damage the longer it stays.
Frequently asked questions
Does bird proofing affect my panels’ performance?
No. A properly fitted mesh system still allows airflow around the panels and doesn’t shade or touch them, so generation is unaffected — while protecting your cabling from damage.
Is the mesh visible from the ground?
Barely. It sits neatly around the edge of the array and is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible.
Can you proof a system you didn’t install?
Yes — we can bird proof any existing solar array, whoever installed it, and clear any existing nesting first if needed.
Protect your array from birds
Bird proofing is a small job that prevents a lot of expensive problems. Covering Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, we fit discreet, effective proofing to new and existing solar systems. Get in touch to protect your panels.
This guide is part of our complete guide to solar panels.