Protect Your Solar Investment with Our Expert Pigeon Proofing Solutions!
At Pigeon Proofers, we understand the importance of maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your solar panel system. Pigeons and other birds can pose a significant threat by nesting beneath panels, leading to decreased performance, potential roof / solar panel damage, hygiene issues and costly repairs. Here's how we can help:
Inspection and Maintenance of Solar Panel Bird Proofing
Inspection:
1. Regular Checks:
Depending on the local bird population and weather conditions, inspections might be recommended annually or bi-annually. Homeowners can do basic inspections by looking for signs of bird activity like nests, droppings, or feathers around or under the panels.
2. What to Look For:
- Integrity of Proofing: Check that the bird mesh, solar skirts, or bird spikes are still intact, properly attached, and covering all potential entry points.
- Physical Damage: Look for any damage to the proofing materials, such as holes in mesh, loose spikes, or wear on skirts.
- Panel Condition: Ensure that the panels themselves are not impacted by bird activity, nesting or proofing materials; this includes checking for shading or airflow issues.
3. Professional Inspections:
- For more thorough inspections, especially after severe weather events, hiring professionals who can safely access the roof and panels is advisable. They can spot issues that might be missed from the ground or by untrained eyes.
Maintenance:
1. Cleaning:
- Panel Cleaning: Bird droppings can heavily reduce solar panel efficiency. Clean panels regularly, either through professional services or with care if done DIY, to ensure optimal performance.
- Proofing Maintenance: Remove any debris or nests that have accumulated around or panels or bird proofing
2. Repairs:
- Fixing Damages: Repair or replace any compromised bird proofing. This might involve:
- Tightening or replacing loose or missing spikes.
- Mending or replacing torn sections of bird mesh.
- Reattaching or replacing parts of solar skirts that have come loose or damaged.
3. Preventive Measures:
- Sealing Gaps: Over time, new gaps might appear due to shifting panels or aging materials. Sealing these to prevent bird access is essential to maintain a secure bird proofing system.
- Additional Deterrents: Consider adding additional deterrents like bird repellent gels, sound devices, or visual scare tactics if birds persist.
5. Documentation:
- Keep records of inspections and maintenance activities. This can help in tracking the effectiveness of your bird proofing over time and might be useful for warranty claims or if selling the property.
**Best Practices:**
- **Safety First**: Always prioritize safety, especially when dealing with roof work. If unsure, professional services are the safest option.
- **Environmentally Friendly**: Use methods that do not harm birds but merely deter them from nesting or perching on your solar panels.
Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for keeping your solar panels functioning at peak efficiency while preventing bird-related issues. This ongoing care not only protects your investment but also ensures you continue to benefit from solar energy generation.