Hi @Madden
I am just about to tackle that eventuallity soon to as solar installation at he end of january.
You said Your Proposed solar. OK easiest solution is to ask solar installer what preventative measures they can install at the same time would be best.
Failing that I am thinking black wire mesh under the panel edges. Mounting it is is unknown and will depend on the solar installation frame work, I will be helping my neighbour solve this hands on soon too, Use short screws to avoid damage to internal components. Color bond self drill fence screws may lend itsalf to the task.
Sorry no otherMay void panel warranty
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Madden. We trust you'll get loads of inspiration and advice for all your projects from our wonderful members.
This topic has come up a few times in the past. I would encourage you to check out the advice shared in these previous discussions:
Let me also tag our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL to see if he has any additional thoughts to share.
Jason
Hello @Madden
Thanks for sharing your question about preventing pigeons from nesting under your solar panels. I believe your first port of call should be your solar installer. They often have custom bird mesh purpose built for these kinds of situations. I agree with Jewelleryrescue that drilling into the panels should be done in great care as you don't want to damage any of the components inside.
However, if the installer has no mesh available, I suggest having a look at Jack 90cm x 30m 25 x 25mm Cage Mesh. It has a 25mm gap between wires and can be easily formed and cut with side cutters. If you do decide to install this on your own, I suggest speaking to the solar installer and ask them the best spot to drill into or if possible, to drill into the skirt of the panel thereby bypassing the insides of the panel.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @TedBear, @MikeTNZ and @CSParnell for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Afternoon @Madden
I like @Jewelleryrescue's suggestion and the idea I had in my mind was almost the same. I was going to suggest making a roll up of that sized plastic mesh and then wedge it under the edge of the solar panels, That way nothing is drilled and the springyness of the mesh will stop it blowing out from underneath the edge.
I also agree with @Jewelleryrescue and @EricL that first port of call is asking the installers if they have a way to stop birds/pssums getting underneath.
Dave
@Dave-1 Just a word of caution that anything touching the underside of the panel that has the potential to move and cause wear or scratch could cause damage to the panel itself or the individual cells.
I would potentially look at cable tie panel mount and use a dab of silicon that way it shouldn't come off the face off the edge of the panel. Make sure to use white UV stabilised
Morning @CSParnell
I was thinking more of the round basket deal being springy enough that it wouldnt shift and wouldnt potentially rub where the wires are. As in the ability to compress the cylinder would be hard so it would stay fixed in place. (Think putting your body pressure on uit and it would only compress part way deal)
lol to the cable tie mounts, oh yeah I can rem when I was an apprentice and someone kicked at a cable tied run next to a conveyour belt..... 400m later it stopped falling off like a line of dominos. Take a guess who had to fix it 🙂
Hi @Madden and all
What do you all think siliconing flat curflue (or other) panels on the sides of the solar panels standing vertical to the roof surface?
I suspect there will be a gap birds may use at the tile edge (if the curflue is not cut to tile profile).
Afternoon @Jewelleryrescue
I like that idea! Just need some holes punched along the sides of the coreflute in it so the air can cuirculate under the panels but that would work well.
If you care about the longevity of your panels and systems then do not do the following:
Place anything that will press against the underside of the panels.
Close off airflow from under the panels this will effect power output and also potential hotspots or fire.
My last business development and previous company was Solar Panel Analysis for onsite installations which involved IR topography Land and Drone, IV curve measurements, Gloss Meter measurements, Electrolumenescence (xray images of panels), experiments laser measurement, and a whole other array of measurements. So trust me when I say you don't want to do this you really don't.
Panels are fragile, they need airflow as they get extremely hot and they are producing electricity. If in doubt contact the panel manufacturer for advice, don't risk your investment or worse your house.
@CSParnell
Wise words. And thank you
Just passing on what I've learnt and ensuring safety 😀
Thank you for all your suggestions. Unable to try any as yet, as we have 2 babies to leave the nest. Checked with Solar company and warranty ok as long as we don't touch the electrics. Will advise what works when we have succeeded with stopping them returning to nest.
Hi @Madden,
Sorry to come into this topic so late.
One term, bird spikes........
We use these on our transformers and associated cables here in New Zealand.
Check this out: https://www.bunnings.co.nz/jack-250-x-110-x-70mm-stainless-steel-pest-control-bird-spike-4-pack_p3042328
Bear in mind this is the NZ Bunnings site, but the product is the same.
If birds can't land, they can't roost, because their wings won't close when they land.
All you need is a pack of cable ties and possibly some supports for the spikes.
Is this anything or nothing?, if not, let us know.
Cheers,
Mike T.
Hope all is well. Just checking in to see if the babies have left the nest as yet? Have you been able to make any progress?
There's been considerable interest in this discussion so I'm sure other community members would appreciate you keeping us updated with your chosen solution.
Thanks,
Slow progress babies have flown nest. Put up two owls one stopping them getting under solar panel other to stop perching on roof. Had some success only two keep coming back. Going to try spikes on roof to stop them perching.
Thank you for the update, it's good to know that the owls have reduced the number of pigeons coming into your solar panels.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @65john. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about pigeons.Pigeons are notorious for taking shelter under solar panels, which can cause droppings, noise, and even damage to wiring. To stop them, you want to make it physically difficult for them to access the space and make it less attractive for nesting. Installing mesh or wire barriers along the edges of your panels is often the most effective method. Some people use bird spikes or angled metal strips, but be careful to ensure any fix doesn’t interfere with panel performance or maintenance access. Regularly checking for early signs of nesting and keeping the area clean also helps deter them.
For more detailed strategies, check out this discussion on How to prevent pigeons nesting under solar panels, which has some great advice, and also this best Advice article on How do you keep pigeons away?
Please let me know if you have any questions.Mitchell
