Table of Contents

  1. Key Takeaways
  2. Why Pigeon Proofing is Necessary?
  3. Bird Proofing Options
  4. Cost Considerations Of Bird Proofing Solar PV Systems
  5. Factors Influencing the Cost of Pigeon Proofing
  6. Maintenance Of Bird Proofing Protection
  7. Long-Term Savings and Benefits
  8. Professional Installation Of Bird Proofing Measures
  9. DIY Installation
  10. Should You Bird Proof Your Solar PV System?
  11. Get In Touch!

Pigeons often love to nest underneath solar panels making them difficult to access and clean. This can lead to dirt and debris buildup, resulting in decreased energy efficiency and costly repairs.

Fortunately, there are ways to pigeon-proof your solar panels, enabling them to operate at their fullest potential and reducing the need for ad-hoc expensive maintenance and replacement.

Pigeon proofing involves placing physical barriers around the solar panels to prevent birds from accessing the system.

Key Takeaways

  1. Pigeon-proofing solar panels is essential to maintain efficiency and prevent potential damage caused by bird droppings and nesting.
  2. The cost of pigeon-proofing varies based on system size and roof accessibility, typically ranging from £300 to £1,000.
  3. Bird mesh is the most common and effective method for protecting solar panels, but spikes, netting, and electric repellents are also available.
  4. Professional pigeon-proofing services offer long-term protection, although DIY solutions can be more cost-effective for smaller installations.

Why Pigeon Proofing is Necessary?

Pigeon proofing is an important step for anyone who has invested in solar panels. Pigeons are notorious for finding shelter under solar panels, building nests, and seeking refuge. This seemingly harmless behavior can lead to several significant problems.

Firstly, pigeons and other birds often leave droppings on the surface of the panels. These droppings are acidic and can corrode the panel’s surface over time, leading to potential damage that can affect the panel’s performance and reduce its lifespan. The droppings also block sunlight from reaching the solar cells, which reduces the overall efficiency of the panels, leading to lower energy output and, consequently, less savings on electricity bills.

Moreover, the nests built under the panels can create blockages and damage the wiring. Pigeons tend to peck at wires, and their nests can become a fire hazard, especially when they accumulate around electrical components. The noise and mess associated with pigeons can also be a nuisance, particularly in residential areas.

Bird Proofing Options

There are several bird proofing options available to homeowners and businesses, depending on the size and type of birds present.

Each proofing option has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to assess the situation before selecting a method.

When selecting a bird-proofing option, it’s important to consider the size and type of birds present, as well as the overall cost of the solution.

pigeon mesh underneath solar panel to bird proof panels

Cost Considerations Of Bird Proofing Solar PV Systems

The cost of bird proofing can vary depending on the size of the solar panel array, the type of bird proofing option chosen, and other factors such as the complexity of the job and the materials involved.

For homeowners, the cost of bird mesh is relatively low, with a roll of mesh usually costing around £50 to £100. Bird spikes are also relatively inexpensive, with a pack of spikes costing around £25. Bird netting is slightly more expensive, with a net typically costing between £150 and £200. Electric bird repellents can be quite costly, with a unit costing upwards of £500.

To receive a quote for your business, get in contact today.

It is important to do a cost comparison of bird proofing options to determine which option will offer the most effective protection at the lowest cost.

For example, bird mesh is the most cost-effective option for covering large areas, while bird spikes are ideal for protecting small areas. Bird netting is the best option for protecting against larger birds, while electric bird repellents are the most effective solution for deterring all birds.

It is also important to consider the cost of regular maintenance to ensure continued protection from birds. The cost of regular maintenance will vary depending on the type of birdproofing chosen and the extent of the job.

For example, checking for bird activity and cleaning bird droppings may be included in the cost of the job, while additional treatments such as using bird repellents may cost extra.

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to invest in pigeon proofing for your solar panels.

pigeon netting around inverters

Factors Influencing the Cost of Pigeon Proofing

The cost of pigeon-proofing your solar panels can vary widely based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision and budget appropriately.

Maintenance Of Bird Proofing Protection

In addition to regularly checking and cleaning the bird proofing system, it is important to also inspect the roof for any potential access points that birds may be able to use to get onto the roof. This includes looking for any loose shingles, gaps, or cracks in the roof where birds may be able to squeeze into. Any potential access points must be sealed to ensure that birds are not able to access the roof.

In order to prevent birds from roosting on the solar panels, it is important to regularly trim trees and other foliage that may be near the solar panel area. This will help to remove any potential roosting spots for birds and will make it more difficult for them to access the roof.

It is also important to regularly inspect the gutter system and remove any debris and leaves that have accumulated to ensure that it is functioning properly and is not causing any blockages. If the gutter system is not in good condition, then it can lead to water pooling on the roof and creating ideal conditions for birds to inhabit.

Finally, it is important to regularly clean the solar panels to ensure that they are free of dirt, dust, and bird droppings. This will keep the panels working efficiently and prevent any damage that may be caused by a buildup of dirt and debris.

Long-Term Savings and Benefits

Investing in pigeon-proofing for your solar panels may seem like an additional expense, but it can lead to significant long-term savings and benefits.

Professional Installation Of Bird Proofing Measures

When it comes to bird proofing solar panels, a professional installation is the way to go. Professional bird proofing services can provide an effective and lasting solution to keep birds away from your solar panels. They have the expertise and knowledge to assess the situation and provide the best bird proofing solution for your particular needs.

In addition, you should ask the professional bird proofing company about the cost of the services they provide. Request a detailed estimate that outlines the services, materials and labor costs. Make sure to ask about any additional charges such as for travel expenses or disposal fees.

Finally, ask the professional bird proofing service for a sample of their work. Request to see before and after photos of a job they’ve completed so that you can get an idea of their workmanship.

DIY Installation

For those willing to take on the task of bird proofing their own solar panels, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before beginning the project. It’s important to understand what materials are needed and how much time and energy will be required to complete the project. For DIY installation, only high-quality and durable bird proofing materials should be purchased.

When selecting bird proofing materials for a DIY installation, it’s important to consider the size of the bird that needs to be deterred. Bird mesh, spikes, netting, and electric bird repellents are all effective in keeping birds from accessing solar panels, however, the size of the holes in the mesh, the height of the spikes, the thickness of the netting, and the frequency of the electric repellents should all be taken into consideration when making a purchase.

Once the bird proofing materials have been purchased, the next step is to install them. Bird mesh is the easiest of the bird proofing materials to install. It can be simply stretched and attached to the side of the solar panel using sturdy screws and bolts. Bird spikes are also easy to install, however, they require more precise measurements to ensure that they are installed correctly and securely.

Bird netting can be more difficult to install as it requires a sturdy framework in order to be properly secured. Electric bird repellents should only be installed by a professional as they require a certified electrician to properly install them.

In addition to the installation of bird proofing materials, it’s also important to make sure that there are no cracks or openings in the solar panel that birds can use to access the panel. The gaps should be sealed with silicone caulk or other weather-resistant materials.

Should You Bird Proof Your Solar PV System?

When it comes to pigeon proofing solar panels, there are various considerations to keep in mind. Pigeon proofing solar panels is an important measure to take as it can help prevent damage and further deterioration. Additionally, it can help maximize the efficiency of the solar panels which can lead to a greater energy savings.

Regular maintenance is key. Checking for bird activity and preventing birds from accessing solar panels should be done on a regular basis. It is also important to periodically inspect the bird proofing option to ensure it is still in good condition.

In summary, pigeon proofing solar panels is an important measure to take in order to maximize the efficiency and longevity of solar panel systems. There are various bird proofing options available, as well as professional and DIY installation options.

Protect Your Solar Investment — Start Today!

Now that you know the costs and importance of pigeon-proofing your solar panels, it’s time to take action. At EvoEnergy, we help businesses and property owners protect and maximise the performance of their solar systems, ensuring long-term efficiency, savings, and peace of mind.

Looking for more ways to futureproof your energy setup? We also offer cutting-edge solutions in solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, solar carports, and HV/LV infrastructure — all designed to lower your energy costs and carbon footprint.

Don’t let birds or missed opportunities affect your clean energy journey. Click here to enquire with our experts about pigeon proofing or to discover which of our renewable technologies can make the biggest impact for your business.

Secure your solar and explore what’s possible with EvoEnergy!

The solar industry has recently learned that Ofgem will be freezing the current Feed-in tariff (FiT) rates for installations falling within the forthcoming quarter; 1st October to 31st December 2014.
Due to the recent number of solar pv installations falling short of Ofgem targets to trigger a reduction, the rates will stay the same. However from 1st January 2015 we will see a reduction in the rates by a minimum of 3.5% for installs lower than 50kWp, although depending on install numbers, we could also see an decrease in higher bands.
(more…)

The UK Summer has finally arrived and the sunny weather we have enjoyed over the last few weeks, together with longer days, has contributed to the UK’s solar power output nearly doubling compared to the same period last year.
To quantify, the Solar Trade Association (STA) confirm that in July 2013 around 2.7GWh of electricity had been generated in total from homes, buildings and solar farms in the UK. However, at the end of June 2014, this figure is around 4.7GWh; almost double the previous year’s figure.
It was further reported by the STA that on the longest day of the year (June 21st), around 8% of the total UK’s daytime electricity was generated by solar PV installations.
(more…)

Electricity in the Philippines is expensive, and for a school educating almost 900 children from the poorest communities in Manila it is a drain on the precious money that the charity PCF, receive from their fundraising efforts. PCF is the Philippines Community Fund, started and run by Southampton based Jane Walker MBE. The school building itself is a testament to kindness and innovation as it is built from 78 recycled shipping containers 40 feet long, that were donated and turned into a four storey building, providing education for children and vocational training for adults. The large flat roof is perfect for solar PV and the high levels of solar energy in the Philippines mean that solar makes a lot of sense. The building is immensely strong and was engineered by the global engineering firm Hyder Consulting free of charge.
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For the second year in a row EvoEnergy have been named ‘Solar Installer of the Year’ at the Renewables Awards. (more…)

Ofgem has confirmed the feed-in tariff rates for solar photovoltaic technology beginning November 1. The rates are as follows:

Description FiT rate p/kWh
0-4kW 15.44
>4-10kW 13.99
>10-50kW 13.03
>50-100kW 11.50
>100-150kW 11.50
>150-250kW 11.00
>250kW-5MW 7.10
Stand-alone 7.10
Export tariff 4.50

The November rates will be the first round of FiT cuts enacted under the newly-introduced tri-monthly degression model. Announching the scheme Greg Barker, the Energy and Climate Change Minister, said: “I want to send a very clear message today. UK solar continues to be an attractive proposition for many consumers considering microgeneration technologies and that having placed the subsidy support for this technology on a long-term, sustainable footing; industry can plan for growth with confidence.”
To secure the higher FiT rate of 16p/kWh, speak to our solar consultants today.
To read more about, visit our feed-in tariff page.

Two thirds of UK households benefitting from solar energy say their bills have been significantly reduced since investing in the technology, with most making an average annual saving of ~£1,000. In fact almost 80 percent of generators installed solar panels with reducing energy bills as the primary reason for doing so.
These are the findings from the latest research conducted by uSwitch.com, which questioned 1,391 UK consumers about solar panels in its Consumer Opinion Panel in June this year.
With the Big Six energy providers increasing prices twice in the last year alone many UK consumers are beginning to feel the pinch. uSwitch found that more than a third of households are already finding energy bills unaffordable. However, a total of 70 percent said that they believe solar panels are a good way of lowering energy bills.
More than seven in 10 respondents wanted to make money from the incentive while encouragingly, six in 10 opted for solar technology as they wanted to do their bit for the environment.
Out of those that had installed solar, 71 percent agree that the technology offers a good return on investment. More than four in ten of the solar customers also wanted to add value to their property by investing in a system while more than 85 percent said they would recommend the technology to their friends and family.
With a third of working coming from word of mouth, EvoEnergy runs a successful referral programme, that has already led to hundreds of installs this year.
To hear from a selection of our happy customers, visit our testimonials page.
To find out how much a solar power system can save you, speak to our solar consultants today.

We prepare dozens of quotes every day, but this one was a little different. Why? Because we’d quoted for exactly the same property almost a year earlier…
In 2011 the feed-in tariff was 43.3p per unit. It was the year when everyone started talking about solar, and PV systems were hailed as a smart new alternative to investing in banks and building societies.
Fast forward one year, and the feed-in tariff has fallen to 21p after a lengthy and confusing court case. Media interest has waned and news stories have mainly taken a negative slant, focusing on government’s mishandling of the tariff change and the resulting challenges for industry.
In fact, solar is still just as wise an investment now as it ever was – and our two quotes prove it. Here’s a look at how the figures compare:
In both quotes, we designed a 2.94 kWp system using 12 x 245W panels, both being almost identical in performance.
As you can see, the biggest changes here are the feed-in tariff (FIT) payments and the cost of the system. While FIT payments have obviously fallen, the fact that system costs have fallen too has not been quite as well documented. Take both these factors into account and the return on investment has actually increased.

Ten weeks to go…

New prices mean the technology’s more accessible than ever before. And with energy prices increasing steadily, it’s a great time to invest. Just one word of caution – the feed-in tariff will fall again in July, so there are now only ten weeks to get your quote, arrange a site survey and schedule your installation. Be quick, and you could benefit from returns of up to 11.7%

Right now the feed-in tariff can give you returns of up to 11.7%. But you’ll need to act quickly – on 1 July the rate could be reduced to as little as 13.6p.
Back in February the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) released a schedule for the gradual reduction of the feed-in tariff (FIT). It stated that, depending on the total amount of solar PV installed in March and April, the current tariff of 21p per kilowatt hour would fall to 13.6-16.5p. Since 139 MW of PV systems were installed in March alone, it’s likely we’ll be looking at the lower end of the range.
Our customers are getting great returns right now. If you’d like to join them, there are only 12 weeks left to benefit. July may seem like a long way off right now, but in busy periods it typically takes three to four weeks to evaluate a property, carry out a site survey, produce an energy performance certificate (EPC) and schedule the install.

Up to 11.7% returns with our April pricing

There’s an extra reason to be quick. We’re offering to pay the VAT on all systems we quote in April, so a 3.92 kWp EvoEnergy system – made up of 16 panels from world-leading manufacturer Suntech – costs just £8,500. That includes a top-quality Kaco inverter, all labour and scaffolding, and production of an EPC.
This system could generate up to 3,365 kWh a year, giving annual FIT payments of £759 and bill savings of £242. That’s a tax-free earning of £1,001 – even before you take inflation and future energy price rises into account.
It’s an unmissable return on investment of 11.7% and means the system will have paid for itself in less than eight and a half years.
To benefit from our April offer, give us a call today. Alternatively, submit your details online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Right now we can offer returns of up to 10% on the 21p feed-in tariff. Plus we’ll even provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) for free when you install with us.
Now that the ongoing saga over feed-in tariff reductions has been resolved, we can finally tell our customers – with absolute clarity – what sort of returns they can expect. And the financial incentives for installing solar PV are a lot stronger than you might think.
The feed-in tariff is now fixed at 21p per kWh until 1 July. With our latest pricing that can give returns of up to 10%. Don’t forget that’s tax free, inflation linked and guaranteed by the government for the next 25 years.
We stock a wide range of components and panels, from great-value Suntech to the most efficient panels on the market, made by US manufacturer SunPower. A well-designed system will always perform better, so we’ll work with you to find the best options and maximise returns.
All about EPCs
One more thing customers have been asking us about is energy performance certificates. From 1 April your home needs EPC at grade D or above in order to receive the full feed-in tariff.
The first piece of advice we’d give is not to let energy efficiency requirements put you off. The government estimated that around half of UK homes meet grade D already, and if yours isn’t one of them reaching the grade could be as simple as adding 10cm of loft insulation.
It’s important to note that a solar PV system counts as 1 point – enough to take you into the next band up. So if your house is currently only E rated, apply for your EPC after the system’s been installed and you should be a D.
EPCs were a part of the now-scrapped home information pack, so you may well have one already. If not, we can help. We’ll take you through the criteria over the phone to estimate your home’s rating, and to visit your home and provide the certificate. This usually costs around £60-£100, but is all part of the service when you install with us.
Reasons to choose us

If you’d like to secure the current rate of 21p per unit – and benefit from returns of up to 10% – we’d urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. We’re expecting a really busy period leading up to July, so the earlier you book the better the price you’ll secure.