Investing in solar panels is a smart way to reduce energy bills and minimize environmental impact. However, as a Colorado homeowner, you may notice an unexpected issue with your solar investment: birds. Birds such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows often find solar panels irresistible, causing trouble that can lead to damage, inefficiency, and costly repairs. The good news? Mesh screens offer a reliable solution to protect your panels and maintain their peak performance.

Why Do Birds Cause Problems for Solar Panels?

Birds, while seemingly harmless, can wreak havoc on your solar panels. Colorado is home to several bird species that are notorious for roosting or nesting underneath these installations. But why are these birds attracted to solar panels in the first place? It primarily comes down to three factors:

1. Shelter: Solar panels, particularly roof-mounted ones, create an inviting, sheltered space for birds. The gap between the panels and the roof provides protection from predators, extreme weather, and sunlight—an ideal spot for nesting.
2. Heat: Solar panels generate heat, especially in colder months. Birds are naturally drawn to warmer areas, and this heat source doubles as a cozy escape during the Colorado winter.
3. Debris Accumulation: When birds settle near or under your panels, they often leave behind feathers, nesting materials, and droppings. Not only is this unsightly, but bird droppings are highly acidic, which can erode the surface of your panels over time.

These seemingly small nuisances can cause significant problems. Bird droppings can block sunlight from reaching the cells, reducing efficiency. Nesting materials and debris can lead to clogged drainage systems, causing moisture buildup and electrical damage. Birds themselves can even chew on wires, creating fire hazards. If left unaddressed, these issues can significantly compromise the lifespan of your solar panels.

Common Problem Birds in Colorado

Colorado’s diverse wildlife includes several bird species that commonly interfere with solar panels. Among the most troublesome are:

Pigeons 

Known for congregating in large flocks, pigeons often roost under solar panels. Their droppings, which are both acidic and abundant, are a leading cause of panel surface degradation.

Starlings 

These resourceful birds are infamous for their aggressive nesting habits. Starlings are small enough to squeeze into tight spaces beneath panels, where they build nests out of twigs, grass, and other debris, often blocking vital airflow.

House Sparrows 

Similar to starlings, house sparrows create nests that serve as obstructions. They can also damage wiring, leading to potential electrical shorts.

Understanding the types of birds in your area is the first step in choosing the right preventive measures. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers tailored solutions to address these specific threats while prioritizing humane treatment of wildlife.

How Skedaddle Can Help Your Solar Panels

The team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in humane bird removal and prevention, ensuring your solar panels stay in pristine condition without disrupting local wildlife. Here’s how our team brings expertise and care to every project:

1. Humane Bird Removal

When birds have already settled under your solar panels, removing them safely and effectively is critical. At Skedaddle, we prioritize humane wildlife control techniques. Our trained professionals carefully inspect the area to locate nests and birds without causing harm. Once the birds and debris are removed, we clean the area thoroughly to eliminate potential health hazards posed by droppings or mites.

2. Mesh Screen Installation for Prevention

Prevention is key to saving your solar panels from long-term damage. That’s where mesh screens come into play. Skedaddle installs durable, high-grade mesh screens specifically designed to keep birds out. These screens are fitted along the edges of your solar panels, sealing off the gap between the panels and your roof. Our mesh screens are:

• Custom-Fitted: Each panel setup is unique, so we customize the screens to ensure a snug and secure fit around your solar array.
• Durable and Weather-Resistant: Our screens are made from materials that stand up to Colorado’s weather extremes, from blazing sun to heavy snow.
• Non-Intrusive: Mesh screens preserve the aesthetic appeal of your home while delivering robust protection.

This targeted approach ensures birds won’t be able to return and rebuild nests under your panels.

3. Regular Maintenance Services

Solar panels require ongoing care to perform at their best. After our team has removed birds and installed prevention measures, we offer follow-up inspections and maintenance. These services help identify new risks early and ensure your preventive measures stay effective over time.

Benefits of Choosing Skedaddle for Solar Panel Protection

When it comes to keeping birds away from your solar panels, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control stands out as the premier choice in Colorado. Here’s why we should be your first call:

• Years of Expertise: With decades of experience in humane wildlife management, we know how to safely and effectively handle bird issues, no matter how complex.
• Environmentally Friendly Solutions: Our methods align with ecological best practices, ensuring the welfare of wildlife and minimal impact on the environment.
• Tailored Strategies: Every home and solar panel system is different. We provide customized solutions that address your specific bird-related challenges.
• Comprehensive Service: From inspection and cleaning to long-term prevention and maintenance, we guide you through every step of the process.
• Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize communication, transparency, and delivering results you can count on. Your satisfaction is always our top priority.

The Costly Impact of Ignoring Bird Problems

Failing to address bird activity around your solar panels can have significant consequences:

• Reduced Efficiency: A single layer of droppings can block up to 20% of sunlight from reaching the cells, directly impacting energy production.
• Costly Repairs: Damage caused by droppings, nesting debris, and chewed wiring can result in repairs that quickly add up.
• Shortened Panel Lifespan: Left unchecked, bird-related damage can reduce the lifespan of your panels, forcing you to invest in replacements sooner than planned.
• Health Risks: Bird droppings harbor bacteria and pathogens that pose serious health risks for you and your family.

Proactively protecting your solar investment with Skedaddle’s help is far more economical than addressing costly repairs down the line.

Take Action Today

Your solar panels are an investment in your home and the environment, and they deserve the best protection available. If birds are already causing trouble or if you want to prevent future issues, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Colorado is here to help.

With our humane removal techniques, custom-fitted mesh screens, and expert maintenance services, we’ll keep your panels operating at maximum efficiency while safeguarding them from long-term damage. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward problem-free solar energy.

Secure your solar panels. Safeguard your investment. Skedaddle is just a call away!