Pigeons under solar panels can be very problematic. For the solar panels, your safety, the performance of your installation, but also for the pigeons themselves. What measures can you take as a prevention against pigeons and their nests under solar panels? And what can you and mustn’t do with this bird? In this article we will dive into these questions.
This common bird species thrives worldwide. The most famous species is the city pigeon, which, as its name suggests, occurs mainly in the city. Other pigeon species mainly live in the countryside and are less prevalent in urban areas. Other species, such as the wood pigeon and stock dove, can cause problems for solar panels on roofs in the countryside.
Why? Pigeons breed almost all year round. Often they lay eggs four times a year. They build their nests on the edges and ridges of buildings and bridges, but increasingly the space under solar panels is the preferred breeding ground. Solar panels give the pigeons the shelter they seek for their nests . This makes it an attractive breeding place. For owners of solar panels the pigeon is a great potential problem. Because where pigeons exist, there are excrements, as well. These excrements often end up on top of the solar panels and cause various problems such as loss of efficiency. It can also lead to a (fire) hazardous situation under the panels.
Why pigeons under solar panels are a problem
The nests of the city pigeon often consist of different materials: Such as twigs, straw and feces. Did you discover pigeons nesting under solar panels? Then act immediately. The nesting material consists or contains flammable material . And of course, you want to prevent a fire from starting. The mixture of droppings, straw and water can form a mass that damages the cables and connectors under the solar panels.
Pigeons build their nest under the solar panels, because they are protected from weather and perils from outside. However, that space under the solar panels has a function. It's needed for proper ventilation of your solar panels – which is a determining factor for their efficiency. The compactness of the nest ensures that the ventilation is no longer unhindered. In addition, excrement and nesting material contaminate the solar panels and can hinder the optimal absorption of solar energy. This will reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. The nesting material, which the pigeon amasses together to build the nest, can cause scratches in the foil at the bottom of the solar panels.
Once the pigeon has decided to build its nest there, it is difficult to get them to leave. They breed almost all year round and are habitual animals, which in this case means they will return to the same nest and likely expand their flock.
To avoid discomfort and even danger, it is best to place BirdBlocker bird protection. BirdBlocker is designed by solar professionals with over 20 years of experience. It is easy to install, fits on every known panel on the market, is the proven solution worldwide and comes with ten years of product warranty. BirdBlocker will give you the peace of mind of a well-engineered solution produced in the Netherlands, that does what it says on the tin.
BirdBlocker ensures that the pigeon has no chance to build a nest under the solar panels. It also ensures optimal ventilation of the panel.