Solar Panels Are a Roof's Best Friend... And a Pigeon's Toilet.
Pigeons nesting under your solar array? It's dangerous. Learn how bird poop ruins roofs and how to install 'Critter Guard' mesh to stop them.
You saved money on energy bills, but now you have a new problem. A noise on the roof every morning. And a patio covered in white poop.
Pigeons love solar panels.
It makes sense. The gap between the panel and the roof is about 4-6 inches. It provides perfect shade, protection from hawks, and warmth from the electrical components. It is a 5-star pigeon hotel.
The Damage is Real
It's not just cosmetic.
- Acidic Poop: Pigeon droppings are highly acidic. They eat through roofing tar paper and shingles, causing leaks.
- Fire Hazard: Pigeons build nests out of dry twigs and leaves right under the hot electrical wires. I've seen roof fires start this way.
- Water Backup: The nests block the water flow under the panels, creating dams that rot the roof deck.
Fake Owls Don't Work
Don't waste $20 on a plastic owl. The pigeons will figure it out in two days and sit on its head.
The Only Fix: Solar Mesh
You need "Critter Guard." It's a PVC-coated steel mesh that gets clipped to the edge of the panels, sealing off the gap.
It lets air flow through but keeps birds (and squirrels) out. It's a pain to install (you have to get on the roof), but once it's up, the pigeons move to your neighbor's house.