Cardiff has seen a massive surge in solar panel installations over the last decade. While these are excellent for the environment and your energy bills, they have created a new problem: the "pigeon palace." Pigeons have discovered that the gap between your roof and the solar panels is the perfect warm, sheltered spot to nest. If you haven't considered solar panel bird proofing, you could be facing a significant drop in energy efficiency.
Why Pigeons Love Solar Panels
Pigeons are "ledge nesters" by nature. Solar panels provide protection from the Welsh wind and rain, as well as a barrier against predators like sparrowhawks. However, a colony of pigeons living on your roof is a recipe for disaster.
The primary issue is "guano" (bird droppings). Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can eat away at the surface of your solar panels and your roof tiles. Furthermore, a buildup of droppings on the panels themselves can block sunlight, reducing your energy output by up to 30%. For those looking for long-term solutions, our solar panel bird proofing service is the most effective way to protect your panels.
The Risks of Secondary Pests
It isn't just the birds themselves that are the problem. Pigeons are often infested with "bird mites," which can migrate from the nest under your panels, through your roof, and into your bedrooms. This is why bird control is often the first step in wider insect control. A nest under your panels can also attract carpet beetles and clothes moths.
How Solar Panel Bird Proofing Works
Effective proofing involves a "no-drill" system. We use specialized clips and galvanized mesh that surround the entire perimeter of your solar array. This blocks the gap completely, making it impossible for birds to get underneath.
Because we don't drill into the panels, your manufacturer’s warranty remains fully intact. Before installation, a professional pest control Cardiff team will clean the area under the panels to remove the pheromones that attract other birds back to the site.
FAQs
Can I use plastic spikes instead of mesh?
Spikes can prevent birds from landing on the edges, but they do nothing to stop them from nesting underneath the panels. Mesh is the only 100% effective solution for solar arrays.
Will the mesh affect the performance of my solar panels?
No. The mesh is installed around the sides and does not cover the top of the panels. In fact, by keeping the panels clean from bird droppings, the proofing actually helps maintain peak energy performance.
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