Why you need to stop birds from getting underneath solar panels

With more of the UK population looking to save money on their bills, the installation of solar panels is becoming increasingly popular with British households. The company GreenMatch tells us that on average there are more than 4,000 solar panels installed in the UK each month.  

However, it is not just us who are benefitting from the use of solar panels. Pigeons have found out that solar panels make a great place to build nests, where they will be protected against the elements. This can lead to nest materials being washed down the roof and causing blockages in the gutter, as well as damage to the solar panel itself.  

Birds can even cause damage to your property through their droppings, this is due to it containing uric acid. This means it can cause substantial damage to many building materials, including stone, metal, and brickwork.  

According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) pigeons allegedly carries over 110 pathogens! Other research shows that wild birds can pass on diseases to humans. 

Most common diseases and pathogens include:  

Diseases can even be transmitted from pigeon droppings. Once the droppings dry, it can create small air-borne particles that could to respiratory issues. Due to this reason wearing the right PPE (Personal Protective Equipment (PPE Kit) - 1env Solutions) is vital when cleaning bird droppings. In 2019, two patients from Glasgow had passed away after contracting a cryptococcal fungal infection. Their deaths were later linked to pigeon droppings.  

It is essential to keep birds away from food manufacturers & distributors, as many wild birds have the potential to carry food-borne diseases. Poor food hygiene standards can lead to these diseases being passed onto humans.  

Birds can also carry insects (Bird mites, ticks, fleas, and beetles) and if they decide on making their nest on your property, this can lead to a secondary infestation. These small creatures can multiply into thousands, the last thing you want for you and your pets is to deal with all the biting, itching and the crawling sensation from these insects. 

The Products that are available at 1env  

	Pro-Bird Solar-Guard Lite New to the Pro bird range this product offers a great lightweight alternative to our ever-popular solar guard adjustable spikes. Manufactured with high quality stainless steel adjustable pins on a UV stabilised plastic based.  The spikes are fully adjustable to suit all tile types and the plastic base can be easily cut down to size with tin snips or heavy-duty cutters. A good quality silicone adhesive such as Fixall is a great way to attach these to the solar panel frame.
	Solar Mesh Solar panel bird mesh is ideal for preventing pigeons and other birds from nesting under solar panels. With the correct installation, bird deterrent mesh does not cause damage to roof tiles or solar panels. The high-quality solar panel exclusion mesh is made up of electro-welded steel wires with square-shaped meshes.
	PVC Solar Mesh Our PVC solar panel bird proofing mesh is supplied in 200m x 30m rolls which have been tried and tested with excluding birds and other wildlife from under solar panels. To install, first, remove all nesting debris from under solar panels, sanitise with products such as Bio-Rid and fit with our solar panel clips. For easy cutting of the solar mesh, use these Wire Mesh Cutters
	Avi-shield Proofing Spikes Brand new and exclusive to the Pro-bird range comes this revolutionary, discreet and highly effective proofing spike that prevents birds from gaining access underneath solar panels and other gaps. This unique spike is constructed from durable, UV-stabilised plastic making it extremely light and easy to install, without compromising on strength.  Due to the unique design of the spikes, they can be removed if access to the underneath of the panel is required. The base of the spike can easily be snapped to size making it quick and easy to work with.
	Probird Solar Flex Brand new and exclusive to the Probird Solar panel proofing range, the Solar-Flex proofing spike.  This unique and innovative solar panel proofing spike makes proofing solar panels extremely quick and easy.  The revolutionary free-falling, stainless steel pins quickly match any roofing profile, without the need to adjust individual pins, simply press the spikes against the roof to match the shape.

With the popularity of solar panels increasing year on year, it is vital to understand the damage that birds may cause to them. Not only for the solar panels but for you and your property, the risk of property damage and transmission of diseases needs to be taken seriously. Bird proofing your property is a vital part of keeping them clean and protected for years to come.