Protecting Your Solar Investment: The Importance of Bird Guards for Solar PV Systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are an excellent way to harness clean and renewable energy from the sun, reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills. However, while solar panels are designed to withstand the elements and provide years of reliable service, they can sometimes face unexpected challenges from nature - specifically, birds.

Birds are naturally drawn to open spaces, and the sight of solar panels can sometimes appear as an ideal spot for nesting, perching, or even foraging. While birds themselves are a vital part of our ecosystem, their presence on your solar panels can lead to several problems that may affect the efficiency and longevity of your PV system. 

The Challenges of Bird Infestations on Solar Panels

Reduced Energy Production: Bird droppings, feathers, and nests can accumulate on your solar panels, creating a barrier that reduces sunlight exposure. This reduces the efficiency of your PV system, leading to lower energy production.

Potential Damage: Birds may peck at or scratch the surface of your solar panels, causing physical damage. This can compromise the integrity of the panels and lead to costly repairs or replacements.

Fire Hazards: Bird nests and debris on or near your solar panels can become fire hazards, especially in dry climates. The accumulation of dry materials can ignite easily, posing a risk to your property and safety.

Maintenance Costs: Regular cleaning and maintenance to remove bird-related debris can add to the overall cost of your solar PV system over time. This includes the cost of hiring professionals or purchasing cleaning equipment.

The Solution: Bird Guards for Solar PV Systems

To protect your solar PV investment and ensure optimal energy production, consider installing bird guards to protect your array. Bird guards are designed to create a barrier between your solar panels and birds, preventing them from landing, nesting, or causing damage. Here are some effective bird guard solutions:

Mesh Screens: Mesh screens or netting can be installed around your solar panels to create a physical barrier. These screens are designed to be bird-friendly, meaning they won't harm the birds but will deter them from landing on your panels.

Bird Spikes: Bird spikes are plastic or metal strips with protruding spikes that make it uncomfortable for birds to land. They can be installed on the edges of your solar panels or along nearby surfaces.

The Cost

Cost can vary wildly to include bird guards onto your Solar PV system. The bulk of the cost of bird guards comes from the labour required to install them, rather than the cost of the equipment itself. Factors that affect the cost of installing bird guards are, the number of panels, the number of separate arrays and the layout of the system.

To give an example, a 10 panel system in 2 rows of five, would typically incur an additional cost of approximately £400.00 onto your Solar PV system. This cost can vary from system to system.

Deciding Whether Bird Guards Are Needed For Your System

The choice of bird guard solution depends on various factors, including the bird species in your area, the layout of your solar panels, and your budget. If possible, it would be useful to consult with a professional who specializes in bird control to assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable bird guard solution for your solar PV system.

As Solar PV installers ourselves, we’ve had a lot of previous experience dealing with birds trying to nest beneath our arrays. From our experience, we have found that bird guards only appear to be necessary in areas where there is a high bird presence, i.e. forests, parks etc. If you regularly see birds flying over your property, then bird guards may be wise to include, especially if you have chimneys or aerials that they can perch on.

So, while birds are a beautiful part of the natural world, their presence on your solar panels can lead to issues that affect your PV system's performance and longevity. Investing in bird guards or deterrents is a proactive step toward protecting your solar investment and ensuring the continued efficiency of your solar PV system.

By taking action to prevent bird infestations, you can enjoy the full benefits of clean and renewable solar energy while minimizing maintenance costs and potential damage to your solar panels.