Why Do Pigeons Like Solar Panels?
If you have seen enough pigeons, you might already know they will sit everywhere. Whether it is your home’s roof or a pole, anything a bit flat is good enough for them. However, they particularly have a thing for solar panels. And that brings up the question, why do pigeons like solar panels?
Like some other birds, pigeons are attracted to solar panels as it is a perfect place to seek shelter from weather conditions and predators. It is a safe nesting spot for them, and they feel safe under these panels.
But what do pigeons do under solar panels? And how much of a benefit are these panels to them compared to a nest in an open area? You will soon find the answers to all these questions.
Read more about pigeons behavior:
Why Are Pigeons Attracted to Solar Panels?
Pigeons can get attracted to solar panels for various reasons. However, the primary reason why solar panels attract them is that solar panels are flat and elevated. That makes up for a perfect place for these birds to roost or rest.
Besides, the reflective surface of the panels can attract many birds, not just pigeons. The reflective nature of the panels attracts their attention and makes them keen to check what they actually are.
Finally, pigeons can simply be attracted to the panels of the presence of food or other resources nearby. The small area underneath the elevated panels can act like a perfect place to stay if there are food sources around.
Do Pigeons Really Like Solar Panels?
Birds do not understand what the purpose of everyday objects or equipment is. Instead, they will interact with or be around them only when they find them valuable. So, it’s not necessarily true that pigeons like solar panels.
You need to remember that pigeons are opportunistic animals. They will take advantage of anything that meets their needs. And the solar panels are a perfect place for these birds to roost on or live under.
The thing is, solar panels are usually flat. And even if they are elevated, they have a flat surface underneath them. This creates a perfect place for living for these birds. And that’s why they are more attracted to solar panels than other everyday equipment.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon Behavior“; if interested, you can check this article here.
What Do Pigeons Do on Solar Panels?
Pigeons will often roost on the top of solar panels. And if the area underneath the panels is flat enough, they will pick it as a place to stay. They will build a makeshift nest underneath or on the panel’s top and breed there.
Most importantly, pigeons will be more likely to pick solar panels as a place to nest if there are food sources around. The panels will act as a safe place for them, offering easy access to the resources they need for survival.
Can Pigeons Ruin Solar Panels?
Yes, pigeons can spoil your solar panels. In fact, the impact that they can have on the system is more than you think. Let’s go through the details:
1. Pigeons are messy, and they will litter everywhere on the panels
The primary concern about having pigeons on your solar panels is their droppings. Their litter can make the electrical parts malfunction. And not to mention, pigeon feces are acidic in nature, promoting corrosion on the frames and connectors.
2. Decrease the efficiency of the system
Pigeons can cover the surface of the panels with their mess. This will make the cells not get the sunlight they need to output a decent amount of electricity. So, you can see a massive decline in the solar system’s efficiency.
3. Damage on the surface of the panels and wires
The claws and the beaks of the pigeons are pretty sharp. And when the birds are moving around on the panels or landing on them, they can scratch things up. In fact, they can tear any exposed wires, disrupting electricity flow.
How Do I Keep Pigeons Off My Solar Panels?
You can do several things to get the pigeons away from your solar panel. They are:
1. Set Up Roof Spikes
Roof spikes might not seem appealing, but they can be very powerful at keeping the pigeons off your roof. The birds will see it as a place where they can not land and will not try to get to the solar panels.
And when you combine it with another pigeon-proofing method, such as installing a mesh, you can keep pigeons out of your solar panels completely.
2. Install Pigeon Bird Netting or Mesh
Mesh and nets are highly effective at keeping the birds away from the solar panel. And the fact that they are easy to install is the cherry on top. You just need to clip the mesh directly to the panels.
Afterward, they will do a proper job of sealing and protecting the space above and underneath. That said, compared to mesh, nets will be a cheaper option. But they both do the same thing.
3. Set Plastic Predator Decoys
If you do not like the idea of installing something, you can just opt for plastic decoys. These will basically act like a scarecrow and make the pigeons avoid your solar panels. A fake owl, falcons, and decoys of red-tailed hawks are good options.
4. Keep the Roof or Garden Free of Food
The food sources near your roof or the garden might attract pigeons. Seeing how easy access they get to food by staying on the roof will make the nest on the panels. Clear these food sources, and you should gradually see fewer pigeons on the panels.
Wrapping Up
There are many reasons why pigeons like solar panels. But the most important thing they consider is to get shelter from predators and rough weather conditions. While it might not seem like much, they can damage solar systems.
So, if there is too much pigeon activity on your solar panels, you should take one of the steps mentioned above. That will let you avoid paying for costly repairs in the future.
With that said, we would like to thank you for being with us till the end of this post. And we would love to have you with us on our social media accounts. Please consider connecting with us through Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Article Reference:
- Integrumservices.co.uk/pest-control-blog/pigeons-under-solar-panels/
- Fantasticservicesgroup.com.au/blog/stop-pigeons-from-nesting-under-solar-panels/
- Hahasmart.com/blog/2664/what-to-do-when-pigeons-are-nesting-under-your-solar-panels
Image Credits:
- Canva.com/photos
- YouTube.com
