How Much Does It Cost To Pigeon Proof Solar Panels?
Due to the ongoing climate crisis, many households and businesses are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and positively impact the environment.
As well as saving the planet, solar energy can also be seen as a long-term investment to reduce energy bills that are forecast to continue to increase.
One significant downside to solar panels is their attractiveness to birds, particularly pigeons, as a site for nesting. Many birds in towns and cities around the UK have been drawn to solar panels to build their home.
Nesting in solar panels can cause permanent harm to the panels through structural damage. In addition, bird droppings are highly acidic, which can lead to corrosion as well as create a health hazard because of the mess.
Once pigeons have roosted, you can also experience damage to your roof, and your gutters can become clogged. Pigeons can be a nuisance for businesses, putting off customers and causing reputational damage.
This article will examine how you can pigeon-proof your solar panels to avoid the costs and damage caused by pigeon infestation.
Prevention
To avoid attracting pigeons in the first place, you can take some easy steps to reduce the chance they will choose your panels to nest in.
Tidy up your garden – Remove piles of twigs and leaves that can provide bird nesting material.
Seal your bins – all pests, including birds, will be attracted to food waste if available.
Don’t feed the wildlife – It has become increasingly common for households to leave out food for the birds, hedgehogs and even foxes. Unfortunately, it will not only attract your desired visitors but also encourage pests.
Use low-key deterrents – It is relatively inexpensive to install a small bird deterrent like a bird of prey decoy to keep pigeons away from your home.
Simple preventative measures may not be enough to deter pigeons, so you may need the help of a professional to ensure pigeons do not take up residence under your panels.
How to Deter Pigeons from Nesting in Your Solar Panels
If you want to deter pigeons from your solar panels, you can use a company to install a bird control measure to help prevent pigeons from nesting.
Bird Netting
Netting is one of the most cost-effective and successful ways to pigeon-proof your solar panels.
The steel mesh easily clips to the underside perimeter of your panels, sealing off the area below.
It is low impact and solves the problem without being unsightly or interfering with the operation of your panels.
Bird Spikes
Ant-roosting spikes are another cost-effective deterrent for pigeons. They can be erected on a solar panel site to prevent pigeons from landing.
The spikes are not intended to harm birds. They simply prevent them from roosting and therefore nesting under your panels.
As well as being a cheap option, they also can be left in place for a long time.
Scarecrow Bird Dispersal System
Acoustic technicians and ornithologists have collaborated to produce bird dispersal systems that use startled cries to keep birds away.
You will need to use a registered distributor to install the system. It is a costlier preventative measure, ideal for offices or larger premises.
Bespoke Solutions
Where a potentially more significant problem exists, it is advisable to contact a specialist pest control company that can survey your solar panels and determine the best way to prevent pigeon roosting.
They can suggest measures to suit any budget and scale of problem.
Removal of Pigeons from Solar Panels
Obviously, prevention is a better idea than removal, but if you realise you have pigeons nesting under your solar panels, it is prudent to take action before damage occurs. You will know if pigeons have nested as you will hear them chirping and scratching around on the roof.
It can be inadvisable to remove pigeons yourself as it will involve accessing the panels on your roof. It is safer to contact a company that has experience in pest removal.
A pigeon-proofing service will include the removal of any dead birds and their nests from the solar panels.
Because of the mess caused, all affected areas must be thoroughly cleaned and treated for bird mites. All the residue from droppings will need careful removal to avoid causing damage to the panels.
Finally, preventative measures such as bird spikes or mesh should be fitted to avoid further infestations.
Choose a company that belongs to the British Pest Control Association (BCPA) and uses fully trained operatives who will be up to date with the latest regulations. You want the company to consider animal welfare and the environment when using chemical-based products.
How much will it cost to pigeon-proof your solar panels?
Several factors will determine the cost of removing and preventing pigeons.
Access – The cost will be less if your roof can be accessed safely with a ladder. Larger buildings may require scaffolding which will add to the overall cost.
Number of Panels – The number of solar panels will affect the pigeon-proofing price and will also determine the methods used.
Cost of Repairs – If your pigeon infestation has caused damage to your panels, such as electrical or wiring damage, you will need to factor in solar panel repairs. In addition, you may experience damage to your roof tiles and need to replace some.
The overall cost can range from £300 upwards, although a roof spike alone may be far cheaper. If you want a full service that includes nest removal and installation of reliable preventative measures, you will undoubtedly pay far more.
Preventative measures should be installed professionally to pigeon-proof each panel and ensure your solar panels will be free of pigeons and other pests. A complete service will ensure that pigeons and their nests are removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned, removing all evidence and debris associated with the infestation. You can also expect the surrounding areas to be decontaminated.
Overall, the benefits of pigeon-proofing far outweigh the cost of repairing your valuable solar panels.
If you have solar panels and want to pigeon-proof them, get in touch with us at EWS today. We have over 15 years of experience in pigeon-proofing and protecting solar panels.