Solar panels can reduce the use of natural gas while still providing enough energy to power your home and family. You are helping the planet and helping yourself by gaining energy independence in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
What about birds and other small animals that might try to climb under your panels? We all know that birds and small animals love nesting under our panels and gutters. What can we do to stop it?
We’ll be discussing solar panels and birds. How can birds affect your solar panel? And what you can do about it.
HOW SOLAR POWER BENEFITS BIRDES
Solar panels are beneficial to birds, believe it or not.
The majority of electricity in the United States comes from natural gas, oil, and coal. These materials are combustible and emit carbon pollution, which eventually forms a blanket layer of heat in the atmosphere. These pollutants cause environmental problems worldwide, including forcing birds to seek new homes and food.
SOLAR PANELS ATTRACT BIRDS?
Yes, solar panels can attract birds for many reasons.
Like windows, birds are attracted to solar panels’ reflective surfaces.
Solar panels also attract them for safety reasons. Solar panels provide warmth and protection from the elements, often nest under solar panels.
CAN SOLAR PANELS KOWL BIRDS?
Solar panels don’t kill birds.
Birds are attracted to solar panels’ reflective properties, which can sometimes look like moving water when they fly above them. Some birds mistake solar panels for water bodies and try to swim into them, leading to injury or death.
CAN BIRDS DAMAGE SOLAR PANELS?
Most solar panel systems have space between the roof and panels to allow ventilation and wiring. Solar panels provide shade and shelter for many small animals to avoid rain, wind and heat.
Birds often build nests under solar panel panels. They also leave bird droppings, broken eggs and dead chicks below. These can build up under your panels and reduce the airflow necessary to keep your solar panels from heating too much.
DAMAGES CAUSED BY SMALL CRITTERS
Squirts and other critters also love to nest under solar panels. Your system may be ineffective if they chew on wires exposed to them.
This will impact your panels’ energy generation, but it also means that you’ll have to pay extra to fix any chewed-up wiring. If you suspect that your wires are infested, it is best to inspect them immediately. The presence of nesting materials such as leaves, debris and chewed wires could pose a fire hazard.
SOLAR PANEL BIRD PROOFING
How can you keep your solar panels safe from the birds? There are many options.
WIRE MESH
You can prevent small animals and birds from nesting under your solar panels by attaching wire mesh to their edges. You can also stop debris from getting under or between your solar panels.
To install this type of protection system, you must contact a professional. Solar panels are often placed on roofs which can sometimes be difficult to reach.
ROOF SPIKES
Although they are not the most appealing option to keep birds away from solar panels, roof spikes can be a good choice.
These spikes are not harmful to birds but make them difficult to rest on. They will not nest near your panels, and they won’t be able to land on them.
PLASTIC PREDATORS
Artificial birds are difficult to distinguish from real birds. Decoys placed on your roof can have the same effect as putting a scarecrow out in a field.
You can set up an owl on your home’s roof with a rotating head, and it will scare away birds from your solar panels. Although plastic predators may seem old-fashioned, they can be very effective in keeping birds away from your solar panels.
SOLAR PANEL MAINTENANCE
To keep wildlife and birds away, you’ll need to clean your solar panels.
It is important to clean your panels and fix any cracks or mounting problems. Ensure your panels receive the necessary servicing and cleaning to ensure they are in top condition.