Birds can persistently damage solar panels as they find the shiny surface a perfect place to build the nest and rest on. Generally, solar panels are installed 8o of the roof. It is difficult to remove those. The accumulated garbage, birds’ nest, and droppings decrease the effectiveness of the solar panel. Moreover, it attracts other animals like rodents and squirrels. The inhabited animals can gnaw at the wiring, which can cause a short circuit and rooftop inferno. Most homeowners do not consider this issue while installing a solar panel. Can birds damage solar panels? Yes, to stop this issue best solution is to employ an effective and humane deterrent, ideally during installation or before birds start building nests.
Cause Slow Corrosion
Birds accumulate debris, twigs, and other materials to build the nest and often scuff the shiny surface, reducing the electricity generation power of solar panels. The buildup nest under the solar panel causes slow corrosion of the frame, which will nullify the warranty provided by the manufacturer. The insulation covers of the solar panels get damaged by abrasions which increases the potentiality of a fire breakout. The collision and perching of birds on the solar panels damage the photovoltaic cells that reduce the captivating solar energy further if unchecked, can cause a leak.
A Preventive Approach
Even if you cannot see the nest, the collected droppings of birds on or underneath the panel confirm your doubt. The chirps of the birds while nestling is another sign that the solar panel is used as a nest by birds. Birds often take out the insulations to make a nest out of it. You can remove the debris or nest by broom or rake, but the most effective and economical solution is deploying deterrents while installing the solar panel. A preventive approach averts birds and critters to roost and build a nest under the solar panel. Prolonging the preventive measures allows birds to flock in greater numbers making the cleanup process more complicated.
Do Not Use Any Harmful Detergents.
Scientifically designed mesh fixed prevents birds and critters from entering and roosting under the solar panel. The mesh is installed with special types of clips that do not scratch or damage the solar panel. The lattice is virtually undetectable, denying entrée to birds and other animals under the solar panel averting damage to insulation, and keeping the top free from bird droppings. Do not use any harmful detergents which could hurt the birds, which could be a punishable offense as many species of birds are endangered and protected.
The Cost of Installation
Bird proofing the solar panel is necessary as pigeon dropping is highly acidic, which could damage the solar panel. The bird droppings and other debris on the solar panel will decrease the performance and effectiveness of the solar unit. This is more detrimental if you use a string inverter as it acts as a shade. Birds invariably chew wires and scratch the solar panel top, ultimately reducing the productivity of solar panels. The cost of installing a preventive measure depends upon the product and service provider you choose. It also depends upon the accessibility of the solar panel and if it is already damaged and needs repair before installing the mesh or other products.
