Solar Panel Proofing

solarpanelproofing
As solar panels have become increasingly ubiquitous across the UK, the problem with feral pigeons nesting under the panels is starting to become a major issue.

The gap under a solar panel is the perfect size for a feral pigeon to start building a nest and rear their young. Once one pigeon has moved in, others will follow and you can soon have an entire colony of pigeons living on your roof.

This can not only cause problems with the operation of your solar panels but can also lead to leaking roofs, blocked gutters and insect infestations. Large amounts of pigeon fouling can cause very unpleasant smells and can be a serious health hazard.

Many of our customers complain that the noise made by the pigeons is the biggest annoyance, especially in the early hours of the morning.

We can offer a complete solution to evict the pigeons, remove the mess, decontaminate and then install the proofing to prevent them from returning. This process consists of the following steps.
  • Step 1:
    Any live pigeons on the roof will be shooed away. We then treat the roof under the solar panels with a biocidal spray to kill off any harmful bacteria that may be present in the fouling. This makes the fouling safe for removal.
  • Step 2:
    We then remove the pigeon droppings, nesting materials and any dead pigeons from under the panels. This will be placed in sealed bags and taken away from site to be disposed of in the appropriate manner. We will also clear any debris from the gutters and give another biocide treatment to neutralise any harmful bacteria that remains.
  • Step 3:
    The panels are proofed to prevent the pigeons from returning.

    The proofing method can vary but will usually consist of 25mm X 25mm 16 gauge welded mesh sections. These are attached to the framework of the solar panels using specially designed UV stabilised polycarbonate clips. Using the clips ensures the solar panels are not damaged in any way (and thus invalidating any warranties) and are removable, ensuring access underneath the panels if needed in the future.

    We can also install proofing to other areas such as roof ridges, chimneys and TV aerials.
  • Step 4:
    Finally, we wash the tops of the solar panels. Only soft brushes and water are used so the panels are not damaged in any way.

Access

Access is usually either by ladder, scaffold, cherry picker or some combination of the three. Every house is different and our quotation will be tailored to include the appropriate form of access equipment for your property.

Quotation

Call us now to discuss proofing options or to arrange for a free, no-obligation, quotation. Depending on the situation, we may need to carry out a site survey or we may be able to provide a quotation based on photographs.

Examples

Special UV resistant clips are used for attaching the mesh.
No holes are made in the panels, so the solar panel warranties are not invalidated.