How Much Does It Cost To Pigeon Proof Solar Panels

How Much Does It Cost To Pigeon Proof Solar Panels?

Pigeon proofing your solar panels not only prevents the pigeons from becoming a nuisance on your roof but also helps maintain the efficiency of your solar panels.

Within this article, we discuss the cost of pigeon proofing your solar panels in detail as well as why it’s needed and the factors that affect the overall cost.
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Written By Danny Morgan | Updated:

✓ Fact: Pigeon droppings contain high levels of nitrates and phosphates which can corrode your solar panels and decrease its efficiency.

What Is Solar Panel Pigeon Proofing?

Pigeon proofing your solar panels involves installing a physical barrier that covers the surface of the panels. This barrier prevents pigeons from roosting or nesting on or under the panels and can be tailored to the size and shape of your specific solar panels.

The barrier is typically made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminium or plastic mesh and is designed to be both effective and aesthetically pleasing.

However, as well as a physical barrier, you may wish to further pigeon proof your solar panels by using spikes and other physical deterrents.

How Much Does It Cost To Pigeon Proof Solar Panels?

The cost of pigeon proofing solar panels varies depending on the size and type of panels being protected. However, generally it costs around £50-£100 per metre for a mesh or netting system. Therefore, for an average-sized solar panel of 2 square metres, it’ll cost approximately £300 to £600 to pigeon proof it.

What Affects The Cost?

The overall cost to pigeon proof your solar panels depends on a variety of factors such as the size of the area to be covered, the type of material used in the netting, cost of labour and installation as well as any additional maintenance that’s required.

Another major factor that affects the cost includes the access method used to get onto the roof and install the netting to the solar panels. For example, scaffolding may be required as an alternative to a mobile platform or ladders.

5 Reasons To Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

  1. Pigeons can damage solar panels with their droppings.
  2. They can build nests on and around the panels thus blocking the sunlight.
  3. Their presence can attract other pests such as rats and mice, which can further damage the solar panels.
  4. They are very noisy when nesting due to the fact they scratch and chirp underneath the panels.
  5. Pigeons can also leave feathers and debris on the panels, which leads to a decrease in performance.

pigeon proofing solar panels cost

Does It Affect Your Warranty?

Pigeon proofing your solar panels may void the warranty of the panels depending on the manufacturer’s terms and conditions. Therefore, it’s important to check the warranty documents of your solar panels before taking any action to pigeon-proof them.

From our experience, as long as you don’t drill into the panels to install the nets/mesh, it shouldn’t affect its warranty. However, certain solar panel manufacturers have specific guidelines, which is why we state that you should check for peace of mind.

Conclusion

To ensure your solar panels are working to their full efficiency, pigeon proofing them is highly recommended. Although one or two birds may not cause an issue, when a whole flock of pigeons (and other birds) visit your solar panels and decide to call it home, it’ll certainly become a big problem. Considering the cost of solar panels, protecting them is something we highly recommend.

Hopefully our guide has walked you through the costs involved with pigeon proofing your solar panels but if you require further information, feel free to get in touch and we will try to help out where possible.
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