Birds and other critters can create a significant build-up of corrosive fouling on and under solar panels, in the gutters and on patios below, which can be costly to fix. Bird fouling is particularly nasty stuff, carrying bad pathogens and bacteria which can cause very serious illness (even blindness) in humans, if ingested when cleaning. There’s also the noise to consider and resulting damage caused through the nibbling and scratching. This is why solar panel pigeon proofing is so important. But how much does it cost to pigeon proof your solar panels.?
The cost of pigeon proofing solar panels can vary. Using bird netting as a solution can typically cost up to £500 depending on the complexity of your installation. You also need to consider the cost of scaffolding and labour for getting the bird netting installed, which can cost anywhere between £600 to over £1000.
Keep reading to find out more about the cost of pigeon proofing solar panels as well as the benefits of pest or pigeon proofing.
What is the Cost of Pigeon Proofing Solar Panels?
Bird netting is a low cost but very effective method of protecting your investment. Pigeon proofing can cost around 3% (or less) of the cost of your solar PV system when fitted as part of a new installation. This usually amounts to just a few hundred pounds, normally not exceeding £500, unless you have a particularly large or awkward installation.
Choosing to install pest netting after your initial solar panel installation can be a little more costly. To carry out the installation safely, scaffolding is required. A typical scaffold price for a 2 storey house on a single facade is approx £600 to £800. Add the product costs, a half day’s labour for 2 roofing specialists, and the costs mount up quickly.
In addition to this, if there is bird soiling, the costs of cleaning up the mess would require specialist attention due to the health risks
How Can Pigeons Damage Solar Panels?
Bird faeces on the face of the panels cause heat spots which can irreparably damage the panels. Faeces underneath the panels create a nasty mess which can also spill onto your guttering, patio and garden areas. Bird faeces are particularly nasty and require specialist attention to be removed which is costly.
It is also extremely common for solar panel cables and connectors to be damaged by pigeons. Bird and other critters will nibble and tug on cables and connectors causing expensive problems for you to fix. If the birds are nesting underneath the panels, you are also not permitted to forcibly remove them. You have to wait until the nesting season is over.
What is an Alternative Method of Pigeon Proofing Solar Panels?
Whilst bird netting is one of the cheaper methods of pest proofing your solar panels, there is an alternative method that you may wish to consider instead or as an addition to your bird netting.
Bird spikes are glued in place on roof extremities such as the ridge tiles and chimneys to create a barrier that restricts birds from passing and therefore damaging your panels. They tend to be quite inexpensive but can be difficult to remove if you choose to upgrade your solar panels in the future.
What are the Benefits of Pigeon Proofing Your Solar Panels?
Now that you know the cost and reason behind pest proofing your solar panels, you may be interested in learning about the further benefits of doing so. Take a read below to learn more.
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Varied price options | Depending on your budget, there are different options for pigeon proofing your solar panels including mesh, netting, spikes and electric repellants. . This makes pigeon proofing accessible to anyone with solar panels. |
| Aesthetically pleasing options | If you are not keen on destroying the aesthetic appeal of your solar panels, you can opt for methods such as meshing or netting. These are more flexible which means they can be manipulated to stand out less against the panels. |
| Less threat to investment | By investing in solar panel pigeon proofing, you are prolonging the life of your investment and ensuring they work as effectively as they can. This is only a benefit to you in the long run. |
| Better environment for homeowner | Another benefit of pest proofing is that it improves the environment for the homeowner. There will be no more pigeons causing disruption and mess near your home. |
Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels with Team Renewables.
Team Renewables have over 20 years of experience in the solar industry, therefore are very familiar with pigeon proofing solar panels. If you are interested in saving money by pigeon proofing at the same time as an installation, or you are simply looking to add proofing, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
