Solar panels and pigeons -WARNING 19 February 2022 at 10:34PM in Green & ethical MoneySaving 4 replies 303 views

AHonez

Please consider the huge problems feral pigeons can cause when you install solar panels.
All was fine for the first few years and then they arrived, our roof, patio, garden and gutters were an absolute mess and the noise from them scratching the roof and the 'dawn chorus' disturbed our sleep.  We couldn't open the windows because of the smell and the noise.  They very quickly multiplied and new nests were built. 
We then spent hundreds of pounds to have spikes installed around the panels to stop the pigeons getting under them.  We thought that would be the end of them but unfortunately they still sit on the roof and roost between the chimney breast and the solar panels.  The problems isn't as bad but it is still there and so annoying after installing the spikes.
I have posted this because knowing what I do now, there is no way I'd have had solar panels installed and I wish someone had warned me. Possibly if spikes are installed from the outset this might prevent the problem.

Cardew

Welcome to the forum - there is a 14 page thread on this subject that that has been running for the last 5 years:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5617212/pigeons-nesting-under-my-panels/p1

Hexane

To summarise the thread Cardew linked... if anti-pigeon mesh is included at the time of installation, it completely prevents the problem.

jimjames

We have a velux window in the middle of our panels, just right for opening to use a water pistol when the pigeons are up there. After a few years they've got the message and don't bother trying to nest any more.

2nd_time_buyer

A sprinkler system on the roof would be the next level.