Have you recently decided to switch your home to renewable energy? While this is an essential step in the fight against climate change there are several maintenance aspects to keep in mind when you’re installing solar panels. One of the more significant of these is to birdproof your panels.
Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far for a professional to assist with this process. Some locals are turning to the pest control services Melbourne residents rely on to keep pests out of their homes and birds off their solar solutions.
Bird Proofing—More Important than You Think
Few people who install solar solutions for the first time often don’t realise that birds can do significant damage to the panels. This can include anything from breaking glass by pecking at the panels to them building nests in the spaces between each unit.
If you’re not convinced that this isn’t all that necessary for your specific roof, then this post is for you. Our pest control experts have compiled a list of the top reasons why bird proofing your solar panels isn’t only a good idea, but essential.
1. Reduces Damage to Solar Panels
Birds such as seagulls and pigeons can cause considerable damage to solar panels. This is because droppings and nesting materials easily accumulate on the surface and cause the panels to work less efficiently.
Birds also peck at the panels and wiring between each unit, possibly resulting in damage. Larger birds have been known to break or crack the protective glass that covers the photovoltaic cells.
Your pest control agent will cover your solar panels with specialised mesh or netting. This fills the gaps between the solar panel and the rooftop. If this mesh is applied correctly it will also deter other pests from getting in there. Since the mesh is placed on with clips, it’s relatively easy to minimise any potential damage.
2. Maximises Energy Efficiency
For your solar panels to work effectively, they need to clear off debris so that they can absorb as much sunlight as possible. Birds often view solar panels as the ideal place to perch and if they sit on the panels for too long, they can easily cast shadows on the panels or block out the sunlight. This can hamper the amount of sunlight being absorbed.
While you think this isn’t such a huge issue if it’s just one little bird imagine if it’s a bunch of bigger birds perched on your roof for the bulk of the day. Interrupting the exposure to sunlight can leave you with less energy than required, especially in the colder months when the hot sun is limited.
3. Reduces Panel Cleaning and Maintenance
Contrary to what many people think, solar panels aren’t just an “install-and-leave” scenario. Routine cleaning and maintenance is essential for optimal performance. This process can be hampered when bird droppings accumulate all over the panels.
The acid in bird droppings corrodes the panels’ surface and hinders light penetration. Depending on the number of birds in your area, this can be time-consuming. Adding the necessary meshing reduces the intensity and frequency of the cleaning that needs to be done.
Maintenance involves replacing broken or cracked glass as well as replacing dislodged wiring. This can be expensive and may involve hiring a professional to do the repairs. Bird proofing ensures that your solar panels remain in good condition without the need for unnecessary repairs and replacements.
4. Prevents Unnecessary Health Risks
In addition to simplifying the cleaning process, bird proofing also prevents the many diseases that can be spread from the droppings to people and animals. Diseases such as histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and cryptococcosis accumulate on the panels and can pose a health risk to anyone working near the panels.
Nesting materials can also pose a slipping hazard to people working on the roof during seasonal maintenance. Having mesh coverings on the panels will discourage the birds from trying to nest on the roof in the first place.
5. Can Protect Birds and Wildlife
While many people regard birds as a nuisance, the reality is that they are a valuable part of any area’s ecosystem. Not only do they play a crucial role in seed dispersal, and garden pollination, but they also help with natural pest control.
Solar panels can pose risks to birds who can get tangled in wiring and stuck in narrower spaces between the panels. Protect the birds in your area by adding the suggested meshing. Bird proofing is a basic but highly effective way to keep your panels undamaged and working while at the same time preserving the balance of wildlife around your home.
Final Thoughts
Solar panels are one of the most significant ways to provide residential and commercial buildings with clean and sustainable energy. Unfortunately, they can also attract birds which can damage or influence the efficiency of your solar solution. Safeguarding your solar panels will ensure that you’re able to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy for years to come without the costs of consistent repairs!
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
