Pigeons like to nest under solar panels: dry, sheltered and warm. That means noise, mess on the roof and in the gutter, and sometimes damage to cables. Bird proofing for solar panels closes off the edge of the panel array, so birds find it harder to get underneath. Here you will find bird spikes for solar panels in black and transparent, 30 and 35 mm clips to fit them to the frame without drilling, and VentiStrip proofing for under the roof tiles.
How the spike strips work
A strip is 50 cm long, with a base of UV-resistant polycarbonate and stainless steel spikes 16 cm high. You bend or cut the spikes so that they fit against the roof tiles. You fit the strips to the outer edge of the panel array, with the clips or by gluing or screwing. Because the clips clamp onto the frame edge, you do not need to drill into the panels.
How many do you need?
- Strips: measure the outer edge of the panel array all round, in metres, and count two strips per metre. For 12 metres of edge, that is 24 strips. A box contains 50 strips, enough for 25 metres.
- Clips: choose 30 or 35 mm to match the thickness of your panels' frame edge. Measure it beforehand. A set contains 150 clips.
- Colour: black blends in against black panels and dark tiles; transparent suits a lighter edge.
Before you go up on the roof
Only work on a roof if it is safe to do so, or have the proofing fitted by an installer. Also check whether your panels' warranty says anything about fitting to the frame. Leave occupied nests alone: do not close off the edge while there are eggs or young underneath, and plan the work outside the breeding season. Which rules apply to nests differs by country; check beforehand. Remove empty nests and mess first.
Pigeons that keep sitting on the ridge or in the gutter can be dealt with using the products in pigeon deterrents. If a marten is also crawling under the tiles, see deterring stone martens and screening and proofing. All other products are in bird deterrents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to drill into the frame of my solar panels?
No, the clips clamp the spike strips onto the frame edge. Gluing or screwing is also possible.
Do the spikes also keep martens out?
According to the manufacturer, besides birds the strips are also intended to keep martens out from under the panels.
When do I fit bird proofing under solar panels?
Outside the breeding season, when there are no eggs or young under the panels. Remove nests and mess first.