Introduction
Solar panels are a great means to get electricity for free and at the same time save on ever increasing electricity bills. In this way you not only save yourself few bucks but also help the environment in many ways.
However, when using the solar panels you might have observed birds, pests and small animals like squirrels or mice make a mess below or around the panels. If you’ve also noticed this sight, you’re not alone. Many people who use solar panels have had this experience. As a matter of fact 3 out of 5 households are frustrated because of these unwanted guests near their panels, leading to potential damage or decrease the efficiency of the panels and most importantly spending on the maintenance & repairs. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explore simple, effective, and innovative ways on how to bird-proof & squirrel-proof your solar panels. Whether you want DIY solutions or professional fixes, we’ve got you covered!
Why Do Birds & Squirrels Nest Under Solar Panels?
Before moving ahead with all the solutions on how to bird-proof & squirrel-proof your solar panels, let’s first understand why these creatures creep in or around the solar panels.
Shelter – Due to their big area, solar panels cover significant amount of space and the area beneath the panels is often warm and makes a cozy spot for our little friends.
Protection – Small birds & squirrels often face difficulty in facing predators or bigger creatures than them. Solar panels provide them a safe haven and a feeling of safety from such unwanted lookers.
Easy Access – The gaps between the roof and panels or, ground and panels is ideal for small birds or animals to slip in without much effort and build a comfy home!!
Issues That Can Arise Due to Birds & Squirrels Near Solar Panels
By reading the above para you might be wondering if your panels provide help to these small creatures then why not let them have their space. Of course it’s a noble thought, but your solar panels might not be solution to their problems. We can have multiple other options for our little friends like small tree houses or unwanted shelf placed in a corner of your garden, and much more.
Wiring Damage – Small and cute looking squirrels love to munch on your wires!! Even though they don’t eat the wires but they chew them until they break. This might need repairs every now and then and rarely there might be a risk of fire due to short circuiting.
Bird Droppings & Mess – Very simple, bird droppings and unwanted bird things like nest or plant litter carried by birds can make your panels dirty and less efficient. If not kept in check the efficiency can reduce by around 30-40%.
Poor Ventilation – Nesting materials and other tree/plant litter carried by birds and other animals can block airflow, causing overheating issues.
Noise & Pests – Birds can bring lice, mites, and other pests into your home.
Clearly, this is a problem that needs fixing ASAP. Let’s explore the best solutions.
Best Ways to Keep Birds & Squirrels Away from Solar Panels
Install Solar Panel Critter Guards or Wire Mesh
A critter guard is a wired mesh kind of thing which can help unwanted creatures off of your solar panels and will also prevent tree leaves and flowers from rolling under your solar panels.
- How It Works – Critter guards create a strong physical barrier, preventing birds and squirrels from entering the space beneath your panels.
- Best material for Critter Guards – Stainless Steel or coated wire mesh is the best option in critter guards. It is strong, durable and works in all seasons.
- Cost – Professional installation can cost anywhere between $50-$100 depending upon the material and the size of panels. Although it’s not much a task, so you can get a DIY kit for almost half the price.
- DIY Tip – If you like DIY, one option is to buy a simple net/ cloth from a local hardware shop and zip-tie it firmly around the panels.
Use Anti-Bird Spikes to Keep Birds & Squirrels Away from Solar Panels
Anti-Bird spikes might look a bit dangerous from a bird’s point of view but it might also be the best solution out there against them. Also the spikes need not be very pointy so that a bird might not get hurt due to them. The birds do not come anywhere near if they notice the spikes. This will prevent a lot of time & energy of the owner.
- How It Works – Spikes make it uneasy for birds to land and sit at one place.
- Installation – Generally spikes come with a sticky base. So you just have to peel off the sticker from beneath and stick it firmly around the edges of your panels. Those spikes which do not come with a sticky base, you can zip tie them instead of sticking.
- Cost – $3-$20 per meter.
- Pro Tip – Apply spikes on nearby fences, pipes, or edges where birds gather before moving to your roof.
Ultrasonic Repellents (Sound-Based Deterrents)
If you did not like the first two solutions and prefer a hassle free methodology, this one’s for you.
- Ultrasonic insect & birds repellent devices emit high-frequency sound waves that can irritate the birds and the birds and many other pests might not wander near your house. The best part of such repellents is that they are completely inaudible to the humans. So you don’t have to worry about the sound it emits.
- Installation – Just place it anywhere on your roof or in garden or near your panels.
- Pros – Birds and many other insects and creatures might stay away from your home.
- Cons – A bit costly, needs electricity or battery, cannot survive much in open (since its electronic it might get damaged due to heat, dust or water)
- WARNING – Some animals may adapt to the sound over time, so mix this method with others.
Reflective & Scare Tactics (DIY Solutions!)
This is my favorite option… DIY!!
Try these simple tricks before going for above mentioned methods
- CDs & Aluminum Foil – Hang old or unwanted CDs (Compact Discs) or Aluminium foil strips near or around the solar panels. The light reflected from these scares the birds a lot and they do not dare to come anywhere near these objects.
- Fake Snakes & Owls – You can also try placing dummy snakes or owls near the panels. Birds notice these predators from far off and might not come near your panels.
- Anything that makes noise or reflects sunlight will also work. It’s DIY so you have to try few permutations & combinations.
- Quick Tip: Change the position of decoys every few days so birds don’t get used to them.
Apply Non-Toxic Bird Repellent Gel
If your panels are not disturbed by birds frequently and also no other small animal comes near your panels then you might not want to take the hassle for installing the mesh or the spikes or the repellent device. Then this option might work for you…
Apply a bird repellent gel. Such gels are thick and sticky yet transparent.
Most of the birds dislike the sticky sensation and odor of the repellent and will avoid coming near the panels. This is very safe for birds, easy for you and cost effective. But the cost part mostly depends on number of panels you have.
- Approximate Cost – $5-$30 per tube.
Trim Nearby Trees & Seal Entry Points
Birds and other animals like the squirrels often use trees to access your roof. Trimming overhanging branches can help. Also find and seal any small gaps or holes on your roof where animals might sneak in.
- Tip: Check your attic for signs of squirrels before they become a bigger problem.
Professional Bird & Pest Control Services
If you have a serious infestation problem due to birds or any other animal, it’s best to take help from a pest control expert. They can safely remove nests and apply long-term solutions. Look for experts who specialize in solar panel protection so they don’t damage your system.
Real-Life Case Studies on How To Bird-Proof & Squirrel-Proof Your Solar Panels
Case Study 1 – Mumbai, India
- Problem: A house owner had pigeons nesting under his solar panels very often, causing major droppings and efficiency loss.
- Solution: He installed high quality stainless steel mesh around the panels along with combination of reflective strips and bird spikes.
- Result: Within one week, the birds were completely gone, and his panels started producing optimal power again.
- Lesson: A combination of physical barriers and visual deterrents works best.
Case Study 2 – California, USA
- Problem: A household in California, USA, noticed that squirrels would chew on their solar panel wires, causing repeated maintenance issues.
- Solution: They trimmed nearby tree branches and applied a non-toxic repellent.
- Result: The squirrel activity reduced significantly, and no further damage was reported.
- Lesson: Preventive maintenance and multi-layered deterrents work best.
Case Study 3 – Sydney, Australia
- Problem: A small town business owner had bird infestation under their commercial solar installation, affecting power output. The infestation was severe and could not be handled using the DIY approaches.
- Solution: The business owner consulted with a pest control team, and they professionally removed the nests and installed critter guards. Later they reinforced the panels with steel mesh and anti-bird spikes to prevent same situation in future.
- Result: The business saw a 15% increase in energy efficiency after cleaning and securing the panels.
- Lesson: Timely intervention can prevent long-term revenue loss.
Final Thoughts: Which Method Should You Choose?
For Minor Bird Issues: Start with reflective objects, decoys, or ultrasonic repellents.
For Recurring Bird & Squirrel Problems: Install critter guards and bird spikes.
For Serious Infestations: Consider professional removal and permanent mesh installation.
I hope you have a better idea on how to bird-proof & squirrel-proof your solar panels. By implementing these strategies, you can keep your solar panels safe, maximize efficiency, and avoid unnecessary repairs. Protect your investment and enjoy hassle-free solar power.
Have you faced this issue? Share your experiences with us!!
If you have any doubt on how solar works we have a simple guide for how solar works, do check it out.