How Much Does Pigeon Proofing Solar Panels Cost?

Pigeons and other pest birds love nothing more than nesting beneath solar panels. The sheltered space offers perfect protection from the elements, making your rooftop their ideal home. Unfortunately, what’s cosy for pigeons can be costly for you. Their nesting materials, droppings, and general activity can reduce your panels’ efficiency, cause damage, and create serious hygiene issues.

Following our insight into how to get rid of pigeons on your roof, SolaSkirt® has put together a handy guide to how much it can cost to pigeon proof solar panels. As an experienced provider of solar panel bird proofing solutions for both homeowners and solar panel installers, we understand that cost is a key factor, so keep reading to understand costs and how they are calculated.

WHY IS SOLAR PANEL PIGEON PROOFING IMPORTANT?

Solar panel pigeon proofing represents a critical maintenance consideration for property owners seeking to maximise their renewable energy investment. Whilst the benefits of solar technology are well established, these are the reasons why you also need solar panel pigeon proofing.

Protection of system efficiency

Pigeon damage solar panels if allowed to nest underneath them. Nesting materials, feathers, and accumulated debris create insulation layers that trap heat, preventing adequate ventilation. This elevation in operating temperature reduces photovoltaic efficiency, resulting in measurable decreases in energy output. Additionally, droppings deposited on panel surfaces obstruct sunlight absorption, further diminishing generation capacity.

Mitigation of health and safety risks

Pigeon infestations present genuine health concerns. Bird droppings harbour pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptococcus, which can become airborne and pose respiratory risks to building occupants. Nesting sites attract parasites such as bird mites, fleas, and ticks, which may migrate into the property. Also, the accumulation of dry nesting materials close to the electrical components of the system creates a fire hazard in proximity to electrical installations.

Preservation of warranty coverage

Many solar panel manufacturers stipulate maintenance requirements within their warranty terms. Failure to address pest-related damage may invalidate coverage, leaving property owners liable for repair or replacement costs that would otherwise be covered under guarantee provisions.

Ensuring compliance

Under the Wildlife And Countryside Act 1981, you can’t kill, harm or remove the eggs of pigeons nesting on your roof without a license or unless in specific circumstances. As such, once birds have made your solar system their home, it can be challenging to legally remove them. Preventing pigeons accessing your solar panels can reduce the chances of costly damage while also ensuring you don’t accidentally break the law or cause unnecessary harm to birds.

Implementing appropriate pigeon proofing measures addresses these concerns proactively, ensuring sustained system performance and long-term value retention, which is why solar panel bird proofing for your solar PV system is essential.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT SOLAR PANEL BIRD PROOFING COSTS

Every solar panel system is different, and there are several factors that impact the overall cost of solar panel bird proofing. Understanding these factors enables property owners to obtain accurate quotations and make informed decisions regarding their installation requirements.

Type of pigeon proofing used

There are 2 types of bird proofing options offered by SolaSkirt to pigeon proof your solar panels. Bird mesh (SolaMesh) goes between your solar panels and your roof tiles, creating a physical barrier that stops pigeons gaining access. Bird mesh is a cost-effective solution, but for a sleek, aesthetic solution, SolaSkirt can be a better option. It’s discreet and can offer effective protection for your solar panel array. In some cases, bird spikes may also be added to further protect your roof.

Size of your solar panel system

Installation costs scale proportionally with system size, as larger arrays require greater quantities of materials and extended labour hours. The larger your system, the more time, effort and materials required, meaning the higher the overall cost will be. Also, more complex systems with additional corners may require more work to pigeon proof.

Current state of your solar panels

While it is not essential to remove bird droppings and debris, as part of our installation service we will lightly wash the panels to remove surface dirt and dust, and safely remove any nests and debris that are accessible by hand. A more thorough wash of the panels is available for an additional fee, but this Is not essential.

Roof access

The accessibility of solar panel installations constitutes a significant cost variable that is frequently underestimated during initial budget planning. Properties with installations on high-pitched roofs, multi-storey buildings, or panels positioned in areas beyond safe ladder reach require scaffolding or alternative access equipment. Scaffolding hire, used by many pigeon proofing companies, represents a substantial cost component, typically charged on a daily or weekly basis. The duration required for installation work, combined with erection and dismantling time, determines the total access equipment expenditure. SolaSkirt’s installers are IRATA rope access trained, which can help reduce costs for many customers. In most cases, this means we can complete installations without the need for expensive scaffolding.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL SOLAR PANEL PIGEON PROOFING

While it might seem sensible to reduce the cost by pigeon proofing your own solar panels, this can be less effective in the long run.

Solar panel manufacturers maintain strict warranty conditions, and unauthorised modifications or improper installations can void these guarantees entirely. Professional installers, whether one of our installers throughout the UK or the person fitting your solar array, understand the technical requirements for working with solar systems and employ methods that preserve both panel and roof warranties. This protection proves invaluable should issues arise with your solar installation in future years.

These installers can also help you find the right pigeon proofing solution for your solar panels. Investing in a premium solution, like SolaSkirt or SolaMesh, which comes with a 20 year warranty as standard, gives you peace of mind.

Also, experience matters considerably when assessing bird behaviour and vulnerabilities in solar installations. Professionals can identify potential entry points that untrained observers might overlook, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Poorly installed mesh with gaps or inadequate fixings simply postpones the problem rather than solving it, ultimately requiring costly remediation and reinstallation.

Finally, safety is key, and if you don’t have the expertise needed to work at heights, then you could hurt yourself when trying to fit solar panel bird proofing. Our installers have access to the best equipment and ongoing safety training to ensure that they protect themselves, your property and the public.

GET A QUOTE FOR SOLAR PANEL PIGEON PROOFING TODAY

Protecting solar panels from pigeons and other birds can cost from £130 +VAT for a solar panel mesh starter bundle, complete with clamp fixings and everything else needed to fit bird mesh to your solar array, to £600 or more for a professional installation.

Getting a professional installation is recommended to ensure that your solar panels are fully protected and reduce the need for costly repairs to your panels in the future. Also, using a premium option like SolaSkirt gives you a sleek finish.

If you’re looking to get solar panels installed, Titan Eco, the manufacturer and distributer of SolaSkirt, is a trusted, long-term solar panel installer. We fit SolaSkirt as standard on all new Titan Eco installations, so these preventative measures are in place from the start to reduce damage from pesky pigeons. Installation services are available from £350 + VAT and the cost of materials, so you can get peace of mind that your SolaSkirt or SolaMesh is installed correctly.

Contact us to request a free quote today and find the most effective method to protect your solar panels.