Pigeons Nesting Under Solar Panels

Why pigeons choose solar panels

Pigeons naturally nest on ledges in sheltered spots. The underside of an array gives them a roof overhead, a flat surface of tiles to build on and warmth from the panels. Houses with arrays often become more attractive than neighbouring roofs without them.

Feral pigeons breed through much of the year, so a colony can grow quickly.

The problems they cause

Nests of twigs and debris build up under the panels and can spill into gutters, causing blockages. Droppings accumulate on the roof, panels and the ground below. Birds may peck at or sit on cabling, and the noise of scratching and cooing can be considerable.

Large piles of dry nesting material and droppings beneath electrical equipment are not something you want to leave building up.

Signs to look for

Watch for pigeons flying in and out from under the panels, especially early morning. Look for feathers, twigs or droppings at the panel edges, in gutters and on the ground below. Listen for scratching on the roof.

Our signs of pigeons nesting guide covers wider clues around the roof.

Wild birds and active nests

In the UK, wild birds, their eggs and nests in use are generally protected by law. Feral pigeons are covered by specific rules and licences, but the safest general rule is not to disturb a nest that is being built or has eggs or young in it. This guide is not legal advice.

Proofing work is therefore planned around nesting activity, checking that no active nest will be trapped or destroyed.

How mesh proofing works

The usual approach is to fit a mesh or guard around the edge of the array, closing the gap between panel and roof so birds cannot get underneath. Fixings are designed to clip to the panel frames rather than drilling through the panels or roof. Debris and droppings are cleared from under the array as part of the job where accessible.

Our solar panel pigeon proofing page describes the service in general terms. Exact products and fixings are confirmed at quote.

Why cleaning alone is not enough

Cleaning the glass removes droppings, but if birds are living underneath, the droppings return within days. Clearing the nesting material and closing the gap deals with the cause.

Our bird proofing vs cleaning guide compares the two in more detail.

Why it often gets worse

Pigeons are loyal to successful nest sites and return year after year. Young birds raised under panels may also come back to nest nearby. A single pair can become several within a couple of seasons if nothing is done.

Acting once you notice early signs is usually easier than dealing with a well-established colony.

What happens to the debris

When proofing is fitted, accessible nesting material and droppings from under the array are cleared and bagged. Gutters below are often cleared at the same time, because they collect so much of what falls from nests.

Clearing the debris also removes the scent and material that might draw birds back to try again.

Neighbouring roofs

Proofing one array sometimes moves birds to a neighbour's panels or roof. If several houses on a street have panels and pigeons, it can make sense for neighbours to coordinate.

We can quote for individual homes or for several at once.

New installations

If you are having panels installed, ask the installer whether bird mesh can be fitted at the same time. Proofing a new array before birds discover it is simpler than dealing with a colony later.

For existing arrays, the sooner proofing follows the end of a nesting cycle, the less chance birds have to settle again.

Getting help

Send photos of the panels, the edges and any signs of birds. Quotes for proofing, cleaning and gutter clearing are free.