Why Solar Panel Bird Proofing is Essential for Your Property

More and more Sydney residents and business owners are investing in solar panels. It is easy to understand why. They drive down energy expenses, are a green, environmentally-friendly power solution and they add value to your Sydney home or business.

When birds decide to set up shop underneath your panels, though, you have a real problem. Because birds of a feather like to flock together, and they bring all their droppings, nesting and other debris they need to be comfortable with them.

In short, birds are bad news for solar panels. Don’t let it reach the point you need expensive repairs. Read on to discover how bird control from Tom’s Pest Control can help protect your investment.

Protecting Your Investment

Solar panels are a long-term investment. You expect them to provide clean, sustainable energy for years. But when birds start roosting or nesting under the panels, they pose a serious risk to your system’s efficiency. Birds can obstruct solar panel wiring, introduce pests, and leave droppings that could corrode the panel’s surface. Without bird proofing, you could find yourself paying for repairs or losing out on valuable energy savings.

In fact, according to research, solar panel systems that are not bird-proofed can experience up to a 30% loss in energy efficiency due to the damage caused by nesting birds. For an Australian homeowner with solar panels, this can add up to hundreds – even thousands – of dollars in wasted energy every year.

Cost of Repair

On the surface, it might seem strange that a few birds could cause major damage to solar panels. The main issue is when these birds are left to their own devices over a period of time. They can chew through wiring, defecate on the panels, walk on them to cause scratches and do untold amounts of damage.

In Australia, a solar panel repair or replacement can cost anywhere from $100 to over $7000 or more for a complete system replacement, depending on the level of damage and how long the birds have been roosting. Ignoring the need for bird control can lead to greater long-term expenses, as repairs often take longer and require more work.

Preventing Structural Damage

Solar panels for Sydney rooftops are designed to last for decades, but the build-up of bird nests can lead to structural damage over time. The combination of twigs, feathers, and bird droppings can add unnecessary weight and moisture, which can degrade your roof and the frame of your solar panels. This puts your entire system at risk.

The Australian government’s Clean Energy Council highlights that proper installation and maintenance of solar panels are essential for both energy output and structural integrity. Without bird-proofing measures, you might find that your solar panels cause more harm than good.

Energy Efficiency

Birds nesting under solar panels block sunlight, which affects the panel’s ability to generate energy. In addition, the build-up of droppings on the panels can reduce their efficiency by as much as 20%. This means less power is produced, which impacts your electricity bills.

Bird proofing from Tom’s Pest Control Sydney is a simple way to ensure your panels operate at maximum capacity. By putting measures in place to not only get rid of birds in the short term but also in the long term, you will get maximum bang for your buck from your solar array.

How Bird Proofing Can Improve the Longevity of Your Solar Panels

Bird proofing not only prevents immediate damage but can also increase the lifespan of your solar panels. By reducing the risk of structural damage, maintaining energy efficiency, and preventing costly repairs, bird control ensures that your investment lasts longer. Experts suggest that homes with properly installed bird-proofing measures on their solar panels can expect their systems to perform optimally for at least 25 years, as opposed to systems without protection, which may experience a significant drop in lifespan due to damage.

The Best Methods of Solar Panel Bird Proofing: Which Option Works Best?

When it comes to solar panel bird proofing, there are several options to consider. Let’s explore the most effective methods:

• Netting and Mesh Solutions: Netting or mesh barriers can be placed around the edges of your solar panels to prevent birds from accessing the underside. This is a simple, effective solution, and it doesn’t interfere with the panel’s performance. The mesh is usually made from durable, weather-resistant materials, ensuring long-term protection.
• Bird Spikes: This is one of the most commonly deployed bird control methods in Australia. The premise is simple. Tom’s Pest Control installs lines of small spikes that jut out at different angles. Birds cannot get purchased on the roof, so they fly away and roost somewhere else.
• Electric Deterrents: Electric deterrents emit a mild electric current when birds land on the panel frame. This harmless shock drives them away without causing harm to the birds. While effective, this method is usually more expensive than netting or spikes.
• Bird Repellent Gel: Bird repellent gel is a non-toxic substance that creates a sticky surface on the edges of your solar panels. The gel deters birds from landing because they find the surface uncomfortable. This method is highly effective in areas where other bird control measures are not as successful.

The Environmental Impact of Solar Panel Bird Proofing: A Green Solution

Bird proofing is a green solution. As solar energy itself is environmentally friendly, taking measures to maintain the efficiency of your panels by preventing bird-related damage aligns with the sustainability goals many Australians strive for. By choosing bird-proofing solutions like mesh or repellent gel, you’re also ensuring that no chemicals or harmful substances are used, keeping your property safe for both the birds and the environment.

Signs You Need Solar Panel Bird Proofing and How to Prevent Future Issues

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to consider bird proofing for your solar panels:

• Increased bird activity near your panels
• Visible nests or debris under your panels
• Reduced energy output from your solar system
• Bird droppings on the roof or panels

Taking preventative steps early can save you from costly repairs and a reduced solar panel lifespan. Routine inspections of your solar panels are essential to catch any bird-related issues before they become serious.

The Costs of Ignoring Bird Proofing for Solar Panels: What Homeowners Need to Know

Ignoring bird control measures can be expensive. As mentioned earlier, solar panel repairs can cost hundreds of dollars, and ignoring bird nesting can even void your warranty. The Australian Solar Council emphasises that maintenance, including bird proofing, is essential to ensure that your solar panel system operates at its best.

Solar Panel Bird Proofing for Different Roof Types: A Tailored Approach

Different roof types may require tailored bird proofing solutions. For example, roofs with a steep pitch may need netting or mesh that is securely fastened to prevent damage. Flat roofs, on the other hand, may benefit from bird spikes or electric deterrents. Consult a professional pest control service to ensure the best solution for your specific roof type.

DIY vs. Professional Solar Panel Bird Proofing: What’s the Best Option?

While DIY solutions might seem appealing, professional installation ensures that the job is done right. Experts have the right tools, experience, and knowledge to apply the most effective bird-proofing measures for your specific system. Additionally, professionals will know how to handle solar panels without causing damage.

Common Bird Species Targeting Solar Panels and How to Prevent Damage

Common Australian birds, such as pigeons, seagulls, and cockatoos, are known to target solar panels for nesting. These birds can cause significant damage to your panels, especially when their nests obstruct ventilation or damage wiring. Effective bird-proofing measures can help keep these birds at bay, ensuring your system remains intact.

How to Maintain Solar Panel Bird Proofing Year-Round

Bird control is not a set-and-forget process. Regular maintenance of your bird-proofing system is key. Check your panels for signs of wear and tear, especially after storms. Clean bird spikes or mesh barriers to ensure they’re functioning properly. A little upkeep goes a long way in protecting your investment.

Bird control from Tom’s Pest Control for your solar panels is a critical step in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your system. From protecting your investment to preventing costly repairs, bird proofing offers long-term benefits for Sydney home and business owners. Don’t let birds ruin your clean energy source—take action today to ensure your solar panels remain efficient and damage-free.