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Should You Install Bird Mesh Before Pigeons Nest Under Your Solar Panels?

5 days ago
3 min read

Yes, preventive bird mesh can make sense even before pigeons start nesting, especially if pigeons are already common around your property.


Once pigeons begin living underneath solar panels, the job can involve much more than installing mesh. Nests, droppings, feathers, and other debris may need to be removed first.





Is Preventive Pigeon Proofing Necessary for Every Home?


No.


If you rarely see pigeons around your property, there may be no reason to immediately pigeon proof a brand new solar system.


Preventive mesh becomes more worth considering when:

  • Pigeons regularly sit on your roof

  • Neighboring homes have pigeons under their panels

  • Pigeons are already inspecting your solar array

  • You previously had a pigeon problem on the property

  • You want to avoid future cleanup underneath the panels


Seeing pigeons repeatedly walking around the edges of the array or trying to get underneath is a stronger warning sign than simply seeing an occasional bird on the roof.


Why Install Mesh Before Pigeons Start Nesting?


The main advantage is avoiding the cleanup that comes with an established nesting problem.


Pigeons often build nests around solar mounting brackets and racking where nesting material can collect.


Once they have been using the area for a while, there may be:

  • Nests

  • Feathers

  • Droppings

  • Twigs

  • Other debris underneath the panels


That material should be addressed before the array is enclosed.


If there are no pigeons or nests underneath yet, the installation can be much simpler.


Does Bird Mesh Keep Pigeons Off the Entire Roof?


No.


Solar panel bird mesh has a specific purpose. It blocks access underneath the solar array.

Pigeons may still land on the roof or on top of the panels.


If pigeons are roosting somewhere else, a different method such as bird spikes or tensioned bird wire may make more sense for that particular surface.


What Type of Preventive Mesh Should Be Used?


Cheetah uses black PVC coated galvanized steel mesh around the exposed perimeter of the solar array.


We generally prefer continuous roll mesh with metal solar panel clips.


The attachment system should also be non invasive and should not require drilling holes into the solar panel frames.



Is It Cheaper to Install Mesh Before Pigeons Arrive?


It can be.


The mesh installation itself still requires materials and rooftop labor, but an established infestation can add additional work such as bird nest removal, droppings cleanup, debris removal, and ground cleanup.


How much difference that makes depends on the property and how severe the pigeon activity becomes.



Should You Wait Until Pigeons Actually Go Under the Panels?


If you are unsure whether preventive mesh is worth paying for, a reasonable middle ground is to watch the solar array.


If pigeons begin repeatedly entering underneath it, that is a good time to address the access before a large nesting problem develops.


Waiting until there are multiple nests and heavy debris usually does not make the job easier.



The Bottom Line


You do not automatically need pigeon proofing just because you have solar panels.


But if pigeons are already active around your roof, installing bird mesh before they establish nests underneath the array can prevent a much messier problem later.


 
 
 

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