Is Investing in Solar Panel Pigeon Proofing a Smart Financial Move?

If pigeons are regularly nesting underneath your solar panels, pigeon proofing is usually worth considering because removing nests alone does not stop them from getting back underneath the array. However, not every home with pigeons needs full solar panel pigeon proofing. Whether it is worth the cost depends on where the pigeons are nesting, how established the problem is, and what work is actually needed to keep them out.

Solar panels showing potential pigeon nesting spots

What Does Solar Panel Pigeon Proofing Actually Do?

Solar panel pigeon proofing is designed to physically block pigeons from getting underneath your solar panels.

Pigeons often build nests underneath solar panels around the mounting brackets and other parts of the racking system where nesting material can collect and stay in place. Once they have established that area as a nesting or roosting spot, simply removing the nest may not be enough to keep them from returning.

For solar panels, we typically use PVC coated galvanized steel bird mesh around the perimeter of the array to block access underneath the panels.

The important difference is that nest removal removes what is already there. Pigeon proofing prevents the pigeons from getting back into that space.

When Is Pigeon Proofing Usually Worth It?

Pigeon proofing makes the most sense when there is an actual, recurring problem underneath the solar panels. Some common situations include:

• Pigeons are regularly going underneath the panels.

• There are active or repeated nests underneath the array.

• Nests have already been removed and the pigeons came back.

• Droppings and nesting material continue accumulating around the panels.

• Pigeons spend a large amount of time on the roof because they are using the panels as an established nesting or roosting area.

In these situations, repeatedly removing nests without blocking access can turn into an ongoing cycle.

If the pigeons can still get underneath the panels after the nest is removed, the reason they chose that location has not really changed.

When Might Pigeon Proofing Not Be Worth the Cost?

Not every pigeon you see on your roof means you need bird mesh installed around your solar panels.

For example, pigeon proofing may not make sense if birds occasionally land on your roof but there is no evidence that they are actually going underneath the panels.

You could also have pigeon activity caused by another part of the property.

Pigeons may spend time around:

• Sheltered corners underneath eaves

• Protected areas where rooflines meet

• Rooftop AC equipment

• Ledges and other common roosting surfaces

• Pools and shallow spa spillways

• Bird feeders

• Properties where someone nearby regularly feeds birds

If the pigeons are not actually nesting underneath your solar panels, installing mesh around the panels may not solve the problem you are trying to fix.

That is why identifying where the pigeons are actually nesting and spending their time matters before choosing a solution.

Why Does the Cost of Pigeon Proofing Vary?

There is not one price that applies to every solar panel pigeon proofing job. The amount of work can vary significantly from one home to another. Factors that can affect the scope of a job include:

• The number of solar panels

• The layout of the solar array

• How much perimeter needs to be covered

• Whether the home has multiple separate groups of panels

• Roof access

• How much nesting material is underneath the panels

• The amount of bird dropping cleanup needed

• Whether pigeons are also nesting or roosting somewhere else on the roof

• Whether bird spikes or bird wire are

• needed in additional areas

This is why two homes that both have pigeons underneath their solar panels can require very different amounts of work.

You can see more information about our pricing on our pricing page, or use our Instant Price Estimator to get a better idea of what your property may require.

Can Pigeons Move Somewhere Else After the Panels Are Proofed?

Sometimes.

Blocking pigeons from underneath the solar panels does not make the birds disappear from the neighborhood.

After losing access to an established nesting area, some pigeons may investigate other parts of the property.

Depending on the home, we may also look at areas such as rooftop AC equipment, eaves, roof intersections, ledges, and other protected places where pigeons could roost or attempt to nest.

This does not mean every home needs bird spikes, bird wire, and mesh everywhere.

The solution should be based on what the pigeons are actually doing on that specific property.

So, Is Solar Panel Pigeon Proofing Worth It?

If pigeons have established themselves underneath your solar panels and continue returning after nests are removed, physically blocking their access is usually a much more complete solution than repeatedly removing nests.

If birds are only occasionally landing on your roof and are not actually getting underneath the panels, solar panel pigeon proofing may not be necessary.

The most important thing is identifying the actual source of the pigeon problem before paying for a solution.

If you are unsure whether your solar panels need pigeon proofing, you can learn more about our pigeon proofing service or use our Instant Price Estimator to get started.