Have you recently installed solar panels? Well, congratulations on your first step to creating a sustainable planet. Solar panels are a perfect way to minimize your carbon footprint and save some money on energy charges. When installed properly, these solar panel systems can power your entire building, including the appliances.
While they may be greatly effective, having them on the roof invites unwanted visitors: pigeons. These birds perch and make nests under your solar panel, thus affecting their effectiveness. So, why and how can you pigeon proof your solar panels? Read on!
4 Benefits of Pigeon Proofing Your Solar Panels
1. Enhanced System Efficiency
When pigeons and other birds have their droppings on your solar panel, chances are the efficiency will drop. This is because the droppings create a layer that blocks sunlight from reaching the solar cells. When this happens, your solar panels cannot fully tap into their potential.
With the right pigeon proofing strategies, you can keep your solar panels in the best state to tap the sunlight and function optimally. All this enhances their efficiency and serves your home or premises even better.
2. Cost Savings
As mentioned above, unobstructed solar panels function well and produce more energy to serve your home. Following this, you will not have to rely on other power sources to keep your home powered up. It contributes to reduced energy expenses, thus saving you money.
In addition, preventing damage from the pigeons helps you avoid costly repairs and maintenance charges. This is because solar panel maintenance, connections, and cleaning can be pretty tasking, time-consuming, and pricey. You avoid this altogether and enjoy long-term cost savings.
3. Extended Solar Panel Lifespan
Solar panels are one of the most durable systems you can have in your home. The right solar panels, expert connection, and maintenance can last over two decades. However, one thing stands in the way of their longevity: debris from birds.
Like most birds, pigeons create their nests with twigs, dried leaves, and grass. These materials are highly flammable and expose your premises to fire hazards. When the nests clog your panels with debris, they may cause a fire due to the heat that your solar panels may generate. Having them safeguarded and protected ensures your solar panels function properly and last longer.
4. Better Aesthetics
Well-maintained solar panels are aesthetically appealing and enhance your home’s general look. Nevertheless, with pigeon droppings and nests on the panels, your roof may be scratched and look dirty, affecting its resale value.
Since most pigeon proofing techniques are discreet and blend well with the panels, you can effortlessly enhance your roof’s aesthetics. You only need to ensure that you choose the right ones.
How to Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels
Now that you know the benefits of pigeon proofing your panels, how can you do it? Well, here are various approaches to this.
Solar Panel Pigeon Mesh
Bird mesh is one of the best techniques to protect your panels. The mesh works to prevent pigeons nesting under solar panels. Unlike other methods, this is completely discreet and cannot be seen from afar.
Bird Netting
Using bird nets around solar panels is another viable option you can use. As the name suggests, it comes as a net and should be used around the solar panels. This creates a barrier and stops the birds from accessing the panels.
Plastic Predators
While these date decades ago, these plastic predators are another great option. You can buy a fake owl with a swivelling head and have it near the panels. Its movement scares the birds away, thus pigeon proofing your panels.
Apart from the traditional predators, there are also automated and high-tech prey that you can install. However, for this tactic to be fully effective, you might need to pair it with others, such as netting.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are also a deterring method for solar panels pigeon proofing. These spikes come in different sizes and are effective at making birds uncomfortable. Unlike the mesh method, they are visible even from afar and can sometimes alter the appeal.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of the solar panels ensures that they are in optimal condition to serve you. It also removes the nests and debris, thus making them unattractive to birds. For this, you might need to have it done often, professionally, and in conjunction with other methods.
Conclusion
Evidently, pigeon proofing your solar panels plays a vital role in their effectiveness and durability. The tactics are efficient and do not require so much effort. However, since most of them involve getting on the roof and getting in contact with the panels, it is crucial that you leave the tasks to professional pigeon proofing experts. They have been in the industry long enough and have the correct equipment to help you secure your solar panels.
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