Pest control services in Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Towcester, Brackley, Market Harborough and all surrounding areas.
Solar Panel Bird Proofing
Solar Panel Bird Proofing
Pigeons love the warm, sheltered space beneath rooftop solar PV installations and can very quickly establish a permanent home there. Unfortunately, that shelter comes with noise, guano build-up, nesting material, and the risk of damaged cabling, reduced airflow, other pest activity and long-term maintenance issues.
At iX5 Pest Control, we install discreet, non-intrusive solar panel bird proofing systems that stop birds from accessing the void beneath your panels, protecting your installation, your roof and your peace of mind. If you need other bird proofing control measures, see our core Bird Proofing service for façades, ledges, loading bays and other locations.
Why solar panel bird proofing is a serious matter
Performance & efficiency impact
Even a small build-up of guano, feathers or nesting debris can reduce the effectiveness of solar power generation. Bird activity and debris can also reduce airflow beneath the panels, making them run hotter and less efficient on sunny days. Keeping the under-panel void clear maintains clean, free-draining edges, stable cable runs and the airflow your system was designed for.
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Persistent nesting & mess
Once pigeons establish under your panels, they’ll remain permanently, usually with increasing numbers. Nesting material and droppings accumulate, blocking drainage systems and making routine maintenance harder. Guano is corrosive over time and can contaminate gutters, patios and paths below.
Noise, hygiene and insect knock-on effects
Bird calls, scrabbling and early-morning or evening activity can be relentless. Guano attracts other insects, including bird mites.
Wear on cabling and components
Birds can dislodge loom clips or peck at protective sleeving. Debris can restrict airflow beneath the array, making the system harder to keep clean and inspect. Guano can also degrade solar panel components.
Compliance & humane control
All wild birds, nests and eggs are protected under UK law. Proofing usually focuses on exclusion – not harm. Where nests are active, works may need to be timed appropriately or justified under general licence conditions. We can advise on what is needed to remain compliant with relevant legislation and schedule works accordingly.
If you manage multiple properties, our Commercial Pest Control can include scheduled roofline checks and actions.
Which proofing option is best?
We’ll always recommend the least intrusive option that provides a continuous seal around your array:
- Panel-frame wire mesh skirt (our default) – Purpose-designed mesh fixed to the panel frame using non-penetrative clips. It prevents access to the under-panel void while maintaining airflow and drainage. Neat finish and easy to maintain.
- Downward Facing Spikes – These are fitted to panel edges using non-penetrative methods and are perfect where panels are fitted close to the edge of a roof, and where wire mesh cannot be fitted with a neat finish.
- Upward / Outward Facing Spikes – Useful for surrounding ledges, aerials, signs or pipes, but not suitable for closing the under-panel void itself.
- Netting – Netting is not usually used on solar panels as it cannot be fitted in a way that will permanently prevent pigeons gaining access. It is usually used ofr preventing birds accessing a large site, plant or structures.
- Gel pots – we often install gel pots on a roof apex, or other locations where pigeons perch, to prevent this once they have been displaced from under solar panels.
Not sure what you need? Feel free to send us some photographs of the panels, the roof and the general location for access, and we can advise on the best method for your panels and roof type.
Signs you may need solar panel proofing
- Regular pigeon activity, landing on the roof and walking to the edges of the panels or getting underneath them
- Nesting material visible along panel edges or caught in gutters
- Droppings on the roof, patios, vehicles or walkways beneath the roofline
- Noise at dawn and dusk: cooing, scratching and fluttering from the roof area
- Debris washing out after heavy rain, or blocked gutters/downpipes near the array
- Evidence of insects (flies/mites) associated with guano and nesting material
Not sure? Book a survey via our contact form below and we’ll confirm the best proofing approach for your solar panels.
How solar panel bird proofing works (our process)
- Initial survey
We assess panel type, roof condition, edge clearances, and access. We’ll confirm any signs of active nesting and agree a suitable strategy. - Humane clearance & clean-down
We carefully remove all birds, nesting material and guano, then apply a targeted biocidal clean around the area. It is important all nesting material and debris is removed from under panels. - Non-penetrative proofing installation
We fit the most appropriate type of proofing to the edges of the bank of panels. All fixings are non-penetrative, avoiding damage to the panels and therefore not invalidating any installers warranty. - Edge finishing & roofline checks
We ensure the full bank of panels is enclosed to prevent re-entry, check that drainage paths and airflow are retained, and clear any displaced debris from valleys and gutters. - Job Completion and Aftercare
Upon completion and before leaving site we will explain everything to you and confirm your satisfaction with the installation. We are always contactable after installation to answer any further queries or offer any further support.
How to prepare for your installation
A little preparation helps the day run smoothly:
- Scaffold access: Most solar panel proofing jobs require scaffold for us to work safely, and ensure we can complete the job properly. Scaffold is usually installed a day or two before the solar panel proofing is undertaken.
- Access space: Keep the driveway or access clear for the scaffold installation.
- Neighbour notice: If scaffold will cross the curtilage of your property, we liaise with you and your neighbours to agree access.
- Ground-level safety: Keep pets, children and vehicles etc away from the work zone.
- Heads-up on roof features: Tell us about any particular hazards or other matters such as EV chargers, hidden skylights, fragile canopies, or other unique features around the installation. We often remove redundant satellite dishes or ariels during our work, where customers want this, as this helps reduce perching points for pigeons.
Aftercare & prevention
Solar proofing is largely fit-and-forget. However, if you are having any other work completed on the roof or solar panels after we have installed proofing, it is a good idea to get this checked over to ensure the proofing hasn’t been damaged or removed.
Timescales: survey to sign-off
- Survey visit: typically, 20–45 minutes (longer for large or complex installations).
- Access: installation is usually carried out with scaffold; we can arrange and manage this as part of the job.
- Installation: most domestic solar panel proofing jobs are completed in one day; larger commercial systems may take longer.
- Clean-down & handover: immediate; we leave the area clean and fre of all bird-related debris.
- Follow-up (if needed): follow up is not usually required once an installation is complete. However, we are always available to help with any questions or support after an installation is completed.
Access & safety
Installations are usually completed using scaffold access. This provides a safe working platform, gives us space to temporarily lift or remove panels to clear birds and nesting material from underneath, and allows us to achieve a satisfactory finish around the full perimeter of the panels, even on tricky elevations. We’ll specify the scaffold at survey and handle the logistics so you have a single point of contact.
Why choose iX5 Pest Control for solar panel proofing?
- Non-intrusive systems that do not pierce panels or roof coverings
- Humane, law-compliant methods and suitable timing around active nesting
- Neat, continuous finishes that permit airflow and drainage around the panels
- Qualified technicians used to working with scaffold and solar panel installations
- Clear communication at all times, with optional inclusion in Commercial Pest Control Contracts for routine checks
Service areas
We install solar panel bird proofing across Northamptonshire and surrounding areas, including Northampton, Milton Keynes, Daventry, Rugby, Market Harborough, Towcester, Brackley, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and Olney. For estates and multi-site portfolios, ask about Commercial Pest Control Contracts with scheduled roofline checks.
Fed up with pigeons under the panels? Book your survey today and we’ll specify a tidy, panel-safe proofing system for your roof. Call us on 01604 328545 email [email protected] or use our contact form below.
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Solar Panel Bird Proofing FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Do birds affect solar panel performance?
Yes. A Build up of guano and debris can reduce output, and restricted airflow under the panels can make panels run hotter and slightly less efficient. Proofing stops birds accessing the void so the area stays clean and ventilated.
Will the proofing damage my panels or affect drainage/airflow?
No. We use non-penetrative fixings that grip the panel frame, not the glass or roof. The proofing follows the frame edge so air can circulate beneath the panels and rainwater can drain as intended.
Do you use ladders or cherry pickers?
No. For safety and quality we usually only install with scaffold. It gives stable access on all elevations, gives us a safe space to lift panels where necessary, and lets us achieve a continuous, tidy finish.
What clearance do you need under the panels?
If there is enough room for pigeons to gain access under panels, this is sufficient space for us to install proofing.
Do you need to switch off the solar system?
We normally work without interfering with generation equipment. If a shutdown is advisable for safety or due to inverter placement, we’ll coordinate that with you in advance.
How long does the proofing last?
The lifespan of all our proofing depends on various factors, including exposure and local conditions. We’ll recommend a sensible inspection interval, and we can include roofline checks within a commercial contract if you manage multiple sites.
What if I need a panel removed later for electrical works?
No problem. The proofing can be removed and refitted to allow access. If your electrician removes a section, we can revisit to refit it.
How do you stop birds getting under solar panels?
We install a purpose designed wire mesh or other suitable proofing around the perimeter so birds can’t access the void. It’s secured with purpose-designed clips or other fixings which require no drilling into panels or roof tiles and is finished to prevent gaps at corners or steps.
Do you remove nests and clean guano?
Removal of nesting material and other debris is essential. We also clean the area with a targeted biocidal clean.
How long does solar panel proofing take?
Most domestic proofing installations are completed in half a day to a full day, depending on the number and design of panels. Larger or complex systems may take longer.
Can you proof panels on a slate or flat roof?
Yes. The proofing fixes to the panel frame, not the roof fabric, so it’s suitable for tile, slate and many flat-roof situations. We’ll check all details at survey.
Will birds still land on the panels?
They may still land on your roof, but without access to the void under solar panels they cannot nest beneath. Removal of nesting debris during clean-down further reduces attraction. We can install additional preventative methods to prevent pigeons landing on sections of roofing, if you would like this.
Is it humane and legal?
Yes. Our approach focuses on exclusion and timing, in line with UK wildlife legislation. We plan works to comply with protected species requirements and general licences.
Can you proof other roof features at the same time?
Yes, if you also have ledges, pipes or planting that attract birds, we can combine works with our broader Bird Proofing service to keep the whole roofline in good order.
