The Complete Guide to Solar Panel Bird Proofing

Why Do Birds Nest Under Solar Panels?

Solar panels provide the perfect environment for pests, particularly pigeons and squirrels. The gap between your roof tiles and the solar array offers shelter from wind and rain, while the panels themselves generate heat, creating a warm, safe nesting site year-round. Unfortunately, what is comfortable for them is disastrous for your home energy system.

In areas across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire, we see a high volume of calls regarding pigeon infestations. Once a pair of pigeons establishes a nest, they are highly territorial. Without professional solar panel bird proofing, they will return generation after generation, leading to a significant buildup of nesting materials, twigs, and debris that can compromise your roof's drainage and electrical safety.

The Hidden Risks: Fire, Acid, and Efficiency Loss

Many homeowners view bird guarding as a cosmetic optional extra, but it is actually a critical safety measure. The risks of leaving your array unprotected include:

• Fire Hazards: Squirrels and rodents are notorious for chewing through DC solar cables. Exposed live wires can cause arc faults, leading to inverter failure or, in severe cases, roof fires.
• Corrosive Damage: Pigeon guano (droppings) is highly acidic. Over time, accumulated droppings can corrode the aluminium frames of your panels and damage the roofing felt and tiles underneath, leading to expensive roof leaks.
• Reduced Output: A buildup of nesting material blocks the natural airflow required to cool your solar panels. Overheating panels operate less efficiently, meaning you generate less electricity and lose money on your investment.

Why We Use Mesh & SolaSkirt (Not Spikes)

At Starks Solar, we refuse to use cheap plastic spikes or chicken wire glued to the panels. These methods are ineffective and often fail within months. Instead, we use premium Enviroguard wire mesh systems and SolaSkirt.

Our mesh solution is manufactured from UV-stabilized, black PVC-coated galvanised steel. It is robust enough to stop determined rodents but allows rainwater to drain freely. Crucially, we use specialized non-penetrative solar clips to attach the guarding. This means we do not drill into your solar panel frames—a practice that instantly voids your manufacturer's warranty. This ensures your 25-year performance guarantee remains intact while your roof stays pest-free. We are fully MCS Certified installers, meaning every step of our work meets rigorous industry standards.

Our Service Areas

We are proud to offer our Free Bird Proofing Upgrade to customers across the entire South Coast. Our installation teams regularly operate in:

Dorset: Wimborne, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Dorchester, and Weymouth.
Hampshire: Ringwood, Southampton, Portsmouth, New Forest, Lymington, and Basingstoke.
Wiltshire: Salisbury, Amesbury, and surrounding villages.

Whether you are retrofitting protection to an existing array or looking for a new solar panel installation with built-in safety, Starks Solar is your trusted local partner. Don't wait for the scratching sounds in your loft—contact us today to secure your system.