Can You Still Clean Solar Panels After Bird Mesh Is Installed?

Yes.

Properly installed bird mesh around the perimeter of a solar array should not prevent the solar panels themselves from being professionally cleaned.

The mesh protects the gap underneath the panels. The cleaning is performed on the glass surface above.

Does the Bird Mesh Have to Be Removed?

Usually, no.

For a normal solar panel cleaning, the mesh can stay in place.

A water-fed pole and nonabrasive brush can still reach the surface of the panels without removing the bird proofing around the perimeter.

Removing mesh every time the panels are cleaned would create unnecessary work and could also leave an opening for pigeons if it is not reinstalled correctly.

Can the Mesh Get in the Way Around the Edges?

It can make the outer edges of the array slightly different to work around, but it should not prevent the panels from being cleaned.

The cleaner simply needs to be aware that bird mesh is installed and avoid unnecessarily pulling, bending, or damaging it while working around the perimeter.

Should You Pressure Wash Solar Panels With Bird Mesh?

At Cheetah, we do not pressure wash the solar panel surface.

We prefer a nonabrasive brush with purified or deionized water when appropriate.

The physical agitation of the brush helps remove buildup from the glass without relying on high pressure.

That also means there is less reason to blast water directly into the mesh or underneath the array.

Should You Inspect the Bird Mesh During a Cleaning?

It is a good opportunity to visually check it.

If a section is loose, bent, missing, or has been disturbed by another contractor, it is better to catch that before pigeons find the opening.

Pay particular attention after solar repairs, HVAC work, roofing work, or other service that may have required someone to work near the solar array.

What if a Solar Technician Needs Access Under the Panels?

That is different from routine cleaning.

A solar technician may need to remove part of the mesh to access wiring, mounting equipment, or other components underneath the panels.

If that happens, the section should be properly reinstalled after the work is complete.

Even a relatively small opening can give pigeons another way back underneath the array.

Can Solar Panel Cleaning and Pigeon Proofing Be Done Together?

Yes.

When pigeons have been nesting underneath the panels, it can make sense to handle the cleanup, pigeon proofing, and solar panel cleaning as part of the same project depending on the scope.

That way, the existing nesting problem is addressed and the panel surface can also be cleaned.

The Bottom Line

Bird mesh does not mean you have to stop cleaning your solar panels.

The mesh protects the space underneath the array, while solar panel cleaning focuses on the glass surface above.

As long as the cleaner works carefully around the perimeter, the mesh can normally stay in place.

If you already have pigeons underneath your panels, get a personalized pigeon proofing price range with Cheetah's Instant Price Estimator.