Pigeons Under Solar Panels: Prevention and Removal

Why pigeons love solar panels

Solar panels on a pitched roof create a gap between the panel and the roof tiles — typically 10–15cm. For pigeons, this is ideal nesting territory:

• Sheltered from rain and wind
• Warm — panels absorb heat, creating a cosy microclimate underneath
• Elevated — protected from ground predators
• Stable — the gap doesn't change, providing a permanent habitat

Once pigeons discover this space, they nest, breed, and attract more pigeons. A single nesting pair can quickly become a colony. The problems escalate:

• Noise — cooing and scratching, particularly early morning
• Droppings — on the roof, gutters, walls, and garden below
• Nest material — twigs and debris can block gutters and drainage
• Panel damage — droppings are acidic and can etch panel surfaces
• Wiring damage — pigeons can peck at exposed cables
• Efficiency loss — droppings on panels reduce output by 2–5%

Prevention: bird mesh (critter guard)

The most effective solution is a mesh guard fitted around the entire perimeter of the solar array. The mesh clips to the panels and sits against the roof, blocking any gap large enough for birds to enter.

What it involves

• Galvanised steel or stainless steel mesh (sometimes plastic-coated)
• Clips that attach to the panel frame edge without drilling or modifying the panels
• Installed around all exposed edges of the panel array
• Colour-matched options available (black mesh on black-framed panels)

Cost

The cost difference between installing mesh at the same time as panels vs retrofitting is significant. Scaffolding is already up during installation, so the marginal cost of mesh is mainly materials and 30–60 minutes of labour.

LONGi Hi-MO X6 450W

£85

watt peak

450

efficiency pct

23

dimensions mm

1722 x 1134 x 30

weight kg

21.3

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

Removing existing pigeons

If pigeons have already moved in:

Step 1: Timing

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to disturb nesting birds or destroy active nests during breeding season (typically March to August, though pigeons can breed year-round). Removal should be done between September and February if possible.

If pigeons are causing significant problems during breeding season, you may need advice from a licensed pest controller about legal options.

Step 2: Professional removal

A pest control company experienced with solar panel pigeon removal will:

1. Access the roof (scaffolding, ladder, or cherry picker)
2. Remove all nesting material, droppings, and debris from under the panels
3. Clean and disinfect the area (pigeon droppings carry health risks)
4. Install bird mesh around the panel perimeter
5. Remove any birds humanely

Cost: £400–£900 depending on access difficulty and colony size.

Step 3: Cleaning panels

After bird removal, clean the panels to remove droppings and restore efficiency. A professional panel cleaning costs £50–£150 for a typical system, or you can clean from the ground using a telescopic brush with clean water (no detergents).

JA Solar JAM54D41 450W N-type TOPCon

£82

watt peak

450

efficiency pct

22.8

dimensions mm

1722 x 1134 x 30

weight kg

21.5

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

Other bird deterrents

Bird spikes

Metal or plastic spikes along panel edges can deter landing and nesting. Less effective than mesh (birds can still squeeze past) but cheaper and easier to install.

Decoy predators

Fake owls and hawks on the roof. Effectiveness is temporary — pigeons quickly learn the decoy doesn't move and ignore it.

Ultrasonic deterrents

Electronic devices emitting high-frequency sounds. Evidence for effectiveness is mixed at best — worth exploring only as a supplement to mesh, not as a primary solution.

Netting

Bird netting draped over panels can work but looks unsightly and can trap birds, creating welfare issues. Mesh guards are preferred.

Coastal homes: seagulls and other large birds

If you live near the coast, seagulls — particularly herring gulls — can cause identical problems to pigeons under solar panels. The solution is the same (bird mesh around the array edges), but there are a few important differences worth knowing.

Herring gulls have stronger legal protection than pigeons. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 applies equally to all wild nesting birds, but herring gulls are listed on Schedule 1 in some cases, meaning deliberate disturbance of active nests carries a heavier penalty. Never attempt removal during the breeding season (typically April to August for gulls) without specialist advice.

Heavier-gauge mesh is worth considering. A herring gull is considerably larger and stronger than a pigeon. Standard 19mm bird mesh is adequate for pigeons; for coastal properties, 25mm heavy-gauge galvanised steel mesh is a safer choice.

Seagull droppings are more corrosive than pigeon droppings. They contain higher concentrations of uric acid due to a fish-heavy diet. Panel surfaces and aluminium frames can show etching more quickly if droppings are left to dry. If gulls are using your panels as a perch (rather than nesting underneath), regular cleaning becomes more important.

Bird spikes along ridge tiles and panel frame edges can help deter gulls from landing, but mesh remains the definitive solution for preventing under-panel nesting. Expect to pay a premium for a coastal installation — scaffolding access and heavier materials add cost.

The bottom line

Bird mesh is cheap insurance. If you're installing solar panels in any UK area with pigeons (which is essentially everywhere urban and suburban), include mesh in your installation. The small upfront cost avoids a much larger, messier, and more expensive problem later.

If you already have pigeons under your panels, act sooner rather than later — colonies grow, and the longer they're established, the harder and more expensive removal becomes.

Share this article