The popularity of having solar panels installed on roofs rocketed many years ago now, the issues that birds can cause to solar panels and visa-versa have only really come to light since this boost in popularity.
Solar panels on house roofs can pose a risk to birds, as they can potentially get trapped or injured under the panels. Birds may also be attracted to the panels as a place to build nests. However, there are ways to mitigate these risks and protect birds:
- Install Mesh: As mentioned earlier, installing mesh around your solar panels can help prevent birds from getting trapped or injured. The mesh can also help to prevent birds from building nests on or around the panels.
- Choose Your Installation Location Carefully: Consider the location of your solar panels when installing them. Avoid installing them in areas where birds are known to nest or roost. You can also choose to install them at an angle that makes it less attractive to birds.
- Regularly Inspect Panels: Regularly inspect your solar panels for signs of bird activity or damage. If you notice any signs of bird activity, take steps to deter them from nesting or roosting near your panels.
It’s important to balance the benefits of solar panels with the potential risks to wildlife. By taking steps to protect birds, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy while minimizing any negative impact on wildlife.
Installing mesh around the solar panels is often the route people go down to protect both the birds and solar panels from harm, for those who already have solar panels fitted this is usually the best solution as it can be retrofitted normally fairly easily and for a relativaly low cost. But it can also be a good solution from the get go, if you believe that birds may cause issues for your brand new solar panel system in the future.
Here are some of the direct and indirect benefits of mesh installation to solar panel systems:
- Protects Birds: Mesh helps to protect birds from getting trapped or injured by the solar panels. Birds can get injured or trapped under the panels, and in some cases, may even die. Installing mesh can help prevent these incidents from happening.
- Maintains Efficiency: Birds can also create debris around the solar panels, which can cause them to become less efficient. This debris can include bird droppings, feathers, and nesting materials. The mesh can help to prevent this debris from accumulating on your solar panels.
- Increases Durability: Mesh can also help protect your solar panels from other types of damage, such as hail, falling debris, or even pests. This can help to increase the lifespan of your solar panels.
Overall, installing mesh around your solar panels is a good idea if you want to protect birds, maintain the efficiency of your solar panels, and increase their durability.
Solar sun & air are happy to provide a quote for your solar panel system including mesh edge protection, or for more information about solar panels in general click here to see our solar panel page, here for businesses. Alternativaly if you already have solar installed and are having trouble with any of the above then please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our friendly team to find out more about this and other solutions.
