Why UK Homeowners with Solar Pan...
Imagine waking up to the quiet hum of your solar panels, generating clean energy to power your home. It’s a beautiful image, symbolizing lower electricity bills and sustainability. But what if a gang of birds decided the solar panels on your roof were the perfect spot for their new condo complex? Unfortunately, this idyllic scene can turn into a maintenance headache if you don’t consider bird proofing for your solar panels.
Bird Proofing for More Than Just Clean Panels
Let’s face it, most solar websites tell you the basics: bird droppings are acidic and can damage solar panels, bird nests can block sunlight, and so on. But there’s more to the story. According to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the UK is currently home to a whopping 170 million birds (over 2.5 times the population of the UK of 67 million), with 18 million being those notorious nest-builders, feral pigeons [source: BTO]. These feathered friends can wreak havoc on your solar panels in surprising ways.
Unforeseen Problems Caused by Birds
One often-overlooked concern is the fire risk. Birds often use twigs, leaves, and other debris to build their nests. If this flammable material accumulates near electrical components, like all the wiring underneath your solar panels, it could become a fire hazard. Additionally, aggressive birds like gulls have been known to damage wiring with their sharp beaks, causing electrical problems [source: BOXT].
Bird Droppings: More Than Just a Mess
Now, you might be thinking, “a little cleaning isn’t so bad.” But consider this: bird droppings can harbour diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Regularly cleaning underneath your panels to remove bird droppings and nesting materials becomes not just a chore, but a potential health hazard.
Invest in Peace of Mind with Bird Proofing
So, what can you do? Bird proofing is an investment that can save you time, money, and potentially prevent a fire hazard. NXTGEN Energy offers a variety of bird proofing solutions for UK homeowners, from mesh barriers that humanely deter birds to discreet and effective bird spike systems or the all enclosing SolaSkirt system.
Enjoy the Benefits of Solar, Worry-Free
By taking proactive steps to keep your solar panels bird-free, you can ensure your solar investment continues to generate clean energy for years to come. Isn’t a worry-free, eco-friendly home powered by the sun exactly what you signed up for?
