Bird Proofing Solar Panels

You’ve invested good money in a solar panel system. It’s generating clean energy, keeping your Synergy bills down, and doing exactly what it’s supposed to.

Then one morning you notice pigeons or birds on the roof. And not just passing through.

For Perth homeowners, bird proofing solar panels is becoming one of those things people wish they’d sorted sooner. In this guide, we explain why nesting birds are attracted to solar arrays, how purpose-made solar panel mesh works, and why correct installation matters for electrical safety, system performance and warranty protection.

Why Are Birds Under Solar Panels Such a Problem?

Once birds settle under your panels, a few things start to happen. Nesting material, twigs, leaves, and debris accumulate around wiring. Dry nesting material sitting against live electrical components is a documented fire risk, particularly in bushfire-prone areas on the Perth hills fringe.

Then there are the droppings. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can corrode panel frames and COLORBOND® roofing over time. Excessive bird droppings on the surface of your panels block sunlight, reducing the output and performance of your system. Beyond efficiency, the build-up of debris under panels also restricts airflow, which raises cell temperature and reduces how effectively your system runs.

Additionally, WA Health advises that pigeon droppings can transmit psittacosis and other respiratory infections, which is exactly why cleaning out an established nest under your array isn’t something to take lightly.

Bird Mesh: The Right Solution for Solar Panels

There are a few options, but not all are worth your time. Plastic bird netting, chicken wire, fake predators, and similar products might seem like a cheap fix, but they tend to degrade in the Perth sun, sag over time, or simply don’t seal the gap properly.

The solution we recommend is purpose-made stainless steel mesh, secured to the panel frames using UV-stable clips. Here’s why it works:

• No drilling required. The mesh clips directly onto the frame lip, avoiding a common cause of manufacturer warranty issues.
• Non-invasive. The mesh is installed to avoid unnecessary contact with the roof sheet and reduce the risk of corrosion between dissimilar metals.
• Built for WA conditions. PVC-coated or marine-grade stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance in coastal conditions, which matters if you’re in a beachside suburb.
• Long-lasting. Quality mesh is designed for long-term outdoor use with minimal maintenance

Bird spikes can also be added along the top edge of panels or on ridge capping where birds like to perch, providing an extra layer of deterrence.

The Bird Proofing Installation Process

Because bird proofing involves working around an energised solar array, the work should involve a suitably qualified solar installer or licensed electrical contractor where electrical access, inspection or isolation is required.

Before any mesh installation begins, the system should be safely isolated. PPE is also essential when disturbing existing droppings or nesting material, particularly if there’s been a significant build-up.

If pigeons have already nested, the nest and debris are cleared first before the mesh is fitted. The mesh is then cut to size and clipped firmly along each edge of the array, sealing the gap between the bottom of the panels and the roof. There should be no gaps around the corners or where the panel frames meet, because pigeons will find them.

Maintenance Costs: What You’re Really Protecting

Bird proofing has an upfront cost, but it’s genuinely protective of a much larger investment. What it prevents is worth thinking about:

• Panel cleans to remove excessive bird droppings aren’t cheap, and if you’re dealing with a badly affected system, your panels may need cleaning more frequently than you’d like.
• Chewed or damaged wiring from nesting activity can cause inverter faults and add to repair costs.
• Bird or vermin damage may also fall outside some manufacturer warranty coverage, depending on the warranty terms.
• Lost solar generation can increase your electricity costs if heavy soiling or debris reduces panel performance over time.

In the long run, mesh is the far more cost-effective path.

Protecting Your Solar investment the Right Way

Once birds establish a nesting spot beneath a solar array, the mess and damage can build up quickly. Installing purpose-made bird mesh helps keep pigeons and other birds out while allowing your panels to continue operating normally.

If you’ve noticed birds gathering around your panels, nesting material under the array or excessive droppings on the roof, get in touch with us for advice.