Concerned by the number of birds on your roof, the lower numbers on your solar smart meter, and the higher costs on your power bill? Bird mesh is a cost effective way to keep your solar performing at its best, and lower your cleaning and maintenance bills. 

If you’re wondering why your solar isn’t performing as well as usual, and you’ve ruled out the obvious reasons, birds are a common culprit.

Why are birds bad for solar panels?

Solar requires full sunlight to work efficiently, so bird droppings and other debris can have a big impact on the system’s production. Birds nesting under or near solar can be a big issue, especially if those birds are pigeons. Bird droppings on even one cell can lead to reduction in that panel’s power by a third or more, which is replicated by all of the other panels in that string, or electrical group. 

Birds also like to nest under panels, and in some cases may leave broken eggs or dead chicks underneath as well, which isn’t a nice sight (or smell). They are attracted to bright colours, so often chew through wiring, which can be an electrical and safety hazard. If that’s not bad enough, birds can also bring disease, noise, and other pests to your property. 

The good news is that bird proofing your panels is usually a simple once off job and means higher efficiency and less mess and noise to deal with.

How does bird mesh work?

Bird mesh is designed to keep birds from nesting or perching close to or under solar panels. The materials can vary, but generally the mesh is made of stainless steel, and may be glued to the roof or clipped onto the edge of the solar panels. Styles vary between coils, spikes or square mesh, but all of them have the same purpose; blocking birds from venturing too close to your panels. 

Here at Proven Energy, we use a range of solutions depending on your layout, pitch and roof type. 

How do you clean under solar panels with bird mesh?

Cleaning under solar panels is easier with bird mesh attached; nothing big will get under the panels, so any stray leaves or other debris can be blown out with a leaf blower. 

The panels can be cleaned as usual; with soapy water and a soft broom or cloth. Never climb onto your own roof; always use a ladder safely from beside the roof or talk to a professional. 

Panels should be cleaned every twelve months, or more often if there is a lot of dirt or debris making them dirty. Solar panels should also receive a maintenance check every two years to ensure that all electrical parts are working correctly and your system is producing properly and safely. 

How much does solar bird mesh cost?

The cost can vary based on whether you install it during the solar installation process, or retrofit it at a later time, when bird issues become apparent. Generally, you can expect the cost to add an additional 5 on top of the solar installation price. 

Although bird mesh can add a little more expense to your installation, it will save you money in the long term. Your system will thank you for it with higher levels of production in full sunlight, and cleaning won’t be required as often.

“Although bird mesh can add a little more expense to your installation, it will save you money in the long term.” 

Is it time to install bird mesh?

If you’ve got a lot of fowl friends that find your roof far too inviting, it may be time to put a plan in place to keep your solar clean. Proven Energy offers solar mesh installation services, either with your solar installation, or on older systems which are experiencing bird issues. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.