Solar Panel Bird Proofing in Phoenix, AZ

Solar Panel Bird Proofing closes off the open space between your panels and the roof, which is one of the most sought-after nesting spots in Phoenix. Feral pigeons descend from cliff-dwelling rock doves and use buildings as substitutes for cliffs and rock ledges. A rooftop array gives them shade from 110-degree sun, cover from hawks and a flat, hidden ledge to build on. Once one pair settles in, others tend to follow, so a single pair can turn into a colony under the panels.

What birds do to a solar system

• Nests and debris. Sticks, feathers and droppings pile up under the panels and block the airflow that keeps them cooler. Hot panels produce less.
• Damaged wiring. Birds walk on, peck at and pull at exposed wire and connectors. Loose or damaged wire can cause faults and lost production.
• Droppings on the glass. Droppings shade cells and can create hot spots. With little rain, they bake on and stay.
• Corrosion. Pigeon droppings are corrosive to metal structures, which includes rails, clamps and roof flashing.
• Health risk. Contact with pigeon droppings carries a small risk of diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and psittacosis. Cleaning a heavy buildup calls for gloves, masks and care.
• Noise and mess. Cooing at dawn, droppings on patios and pool decks, and nesting material in gutters.

What bird proofing is

The standard fix is a coated wire mesh that runs along the edge of the array, from the bottom of the panel frame down to the roof surface, closing the gap on every open side. The mesh attaches to the panel frames with clips made for the purpose, so nothing is drilled into the panels or through the roof. Light and air still pass through, so the panels can shed heat. On tile roofs the mesh is shaped to follow the curves of the tile so there are no gaps for birds to squeeze through.

Why cleanout comes first

Mesh over an active nest traps birds and leaves the mess in place. We remove nests, eggs and debris, scrape and bag droppings, and sanitize the area under the array before any mesh goes on. While the space is open, we check the wiring for chew or peck damage and fix it on the same visit if you approve.

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Other deterrents and why they fall short

Spikes, fake owls, reflective tape and sound devices show up in every hardware store. Spikes can keep birds off a ridge or ledge, but they do not stop birds from walking under a panel. Decoys stop working once the birds learn they do not move. For solar arrays, physically closing the gap is what keeps birds out over time.

When to do it

The sooner the better, once you see birds landing on the roof or hear cooing above the ceiling. Bird proofing is also easiest to add when panels are already off for a re-roof, or right after a cleaning. If you are planning roof work, ask about mesh as part of the reinstall.

What we check on the way out

Before we leave, we walk the edge of the array for gaps at corners, roof transitions and vents. We also look for places nearby where birds might move next, such as an open eave or a gap under a satellite dish, and point them out.