In general, residential solar energy systems are low-maintenance. Seasonal rain is often enough to keep them clean, and a quick hosing off will suffice in dryer climates. Also, since solar panels are stationary, they aren’t typically susceptible to breaking down. However, birds and other critters can present quite a nuisance.
Birds love to hunker down under solar sheets. Why? The panels provide convenient protection from wind and sun while offering an excellent hiding place to steer clear of predators.
When birds make their way to rooftop solar panels, they can cause significant damage, including:
• Accumulated droppings, which may impact the material’s efficiency
• Buildup of dirt and debris, causing scratches and deterioration
• Accumulation of waste, which attracts mice and squirrels, leading to scratching, chewing, and other destruction to the panels and electrical wiring
• Various bird and rodent diseases that can make their way into your home from the roof
• Increased risk of fire
If you have solar panels on your home or are thinking of installing some, you might want to consider a pest-control solution.
The Wire Mesh Solution for Pest-Proofing Solar Panels
Birds tend to be creatures of habit. Once they perch or nest on your roof, there’s a good chance they’ll end up spending a lot of time up there. Adequate pest-control is one of the most critical components of maintaining the solar panels on your home.
When it comes to DIY solutions, wire mesh is your best bet. It’s a simple fix that’s both affordable and easy to install. Not only that, but metal mesh is a humane option for deterring birds and other pests from your roof. You won’t hurt any animals in the process. Instead, you’ll simply block them from getting underneath your solar panels.
How to Prevent Birds from Nesting Under Solar Panels
So, how do you install bird mesh on solar panels? Believe it or not, this bird exclusion project can be done in just a few steps:
Select an industrial-grade wire mesh. You’ll want to opt for a small enough weave that birds and rodents can’t get through.
Cut the mesh into wide strips or sheets large enough to cover every inch of the openings underneath your solar panels.
Using plastic clips or metal washers, attach the wire mesh to the openings. Tighten the clips or washers as needed. In some instances, nails or heavy-duty staples can be used. Your attachment method will depend on the specific design of your roof and solar panels.
You may need to bend the lower portion of the wire mesh so that it curves into the shape of the roof.
Make sure there are no access points throughout any portion of the screen.
If you’re concerned about the finished look, we’ve got good news. Wire mesh is practically invisible on a roof, especially when it’s installed under solar panels. Also, most metal mesh materials won’t corrode or scratch the silicon of the panels, so your investment won’t be jeopardized. Most importantly, the wire mesh will create a physical barrier to exclude birds and other vermin from the nooks and crannies of your roof panels.
Industrial-Grade Pest-Control Wire Mesh from TWP Inc.
Solar panels are an excellent solution for cutting down on your utility bills and reducing your overall energy use. However, when birds settle on your roof, it can lead to some unnecessary annoyances. Luckily, the remedy is easier than you may think.
Bird-proof wire mesh should be heavy-duty and weather-resistant. Galvanized hardware cloth is one of the best materials to use, with welded and poly-coated as some of the most popular choices for pest control.
We carry carry a wide range of pest-control products, including solar panel bird- and pest-deterrent mesh. Our products are budget-friendly, durable, non-toxic, and highly effective for keeping birds at bay. In addition, they’ll help you maintain the integrity of your solar panels.
Shop TWP Inc.’s substantial selection of DIY wire mesh today, or request a quote for a custom order.
