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The shortcomings of electricity have undoubtedly given rise to the adoption of solar energy as an alternative. Solar panels are an excellent investment regarding the electricity they produce and the increase in your home’s market value.
Unfortunately, the panels’ undersides make the ideal nesting spots for birds. Birds frequently create a nest on the bottom of solar panels because it provides excellent protection and warmth.
However, bird infestations and droppings can significantly impact the efficiency of your solar panels over time. As such, applying solar panel bird proofing is necessary if you want to keep your panels intact and efficient.
Below are some inexpensive and hassle-steps to help you know how to avoid/prevent birds from building nests below your solar panels.
1. Apply Net
Applying nets (like polyurethane nets) is one of the most inexpensive alternatives if the mesh and other methods are too expensive or not practical for your solar panels.
A good, strong net allows the light to enter, is easy to install, and covers the entire area, preventing the birds from landing, much less taking up residence.
However, you must be conscious of the only downside netting does not last as long as mesh so you will need to check and replace it from time to time.
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2. Use Owl Decoy
A tried-and-true method from the past is the use of decoy animals. The Owl Decoy is among the easiest and most efficient techniques for keeping birds away from solar panels because most birds (like pigeons) are scared of the owl.
However, the birds will believe the decoy is dead if it remains still for an extended period. You will therefore need to reposition it after some time.
3. Use Ruber Snakes
Apart from using owl decoy, using rubber snakes is another great alternative that works. The sight of snakes terrifies birds, and birds will do anything to avoid contact with snakes. So, you can scatter the rubber snakes under your solar panels and over your roof.
In addition to being concealed and having no visible aesthetic impact on your home, these snakes will give any curious birds the fear of their lives when they come into contact with them.
4. Galvanized Steel Mesh
A galvanized steel mesh is one of the most popular and reliable devices for deterring birds from landing on the underside of solar panels. The mesh secures the panel sides and prevents birds from slipping below.
You don’t have to worry about the durability of the galvanized steel mesh because they have been tried against harsh weather conditions and have also been exposed to various elements. Only the worst storms and winds should affect it. Additionally, the mesh still permits airflow beneath the panels.
4. Using Spikes
Even though they can be unattractive and may not be sufficient on their own to deter birds, stainless steel spikes prove effective when combined with mesh. Unfortunately, although they are easy to erect and simple to use, spikes are not the most attractive house decorations.
Conclusion
In order to prevent the birds from having food, you should maintain your yard tidy. Additionally, periodically clean the area surrounding your solar panels to clear any accumulation of trash.
Even though cleaning by itself might not be the answer, it does help deter birds when used in conjunction with other prevention measures.
