Solar panels are becoming more and more popular throughout the Midwest as the populace continues to work toward clean energy solutions for their homes and businesses. That said, the diversity of birds within the region poses specific challenges for solar. Birds can cause the system to lose efficiency and require expensive repairs, from pigeons finding refuge under panels to geese leaving droppings and substantial droppings everywhere.
Their nesting habitat under the warm space of the solar panels is perfect for many Midwest bird species, and the flat surfaces are easy places to land, where poop piles up. Solving these challenges does not happen and can become worse over time, which is why you should seek the help of Reliable Pest Solutions if the presence of birds becomes ongoing trouble for your solar investment.
Why Solar Panels Attract Birds in the First Place?
The photovoltaic solar panels provide an ideal habitat for at least some species of Midwest birds that struggle during the frigid winters and crucial breeding season times of year. The warm breeding ledges that birds get under panels provide relief from predators and the elements. For instance, in states such as Illinois and Ohio, where the temperature can bottom out in the winter months, the warmth from solar panels provides a survival edge to brewers’ species.
These areas are a big attractor for birds that typically perch on cliffs, such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. Panels are also a great feeding ground, since their smooth and shiny surface attracts insects. All of which leaves the space between panels biggest and rooflines enclosed and secure, a prime nesting location and real estate opportunity for even the most feathered of Midwestern neighbors.
Effects of Bird Droppings on Solar Panels
- Reduced Energy Efficiency
The average Midwest solar installation experiences a loss of around 90 watts per day due to bird droppings on solar panels. Recent research suggests that untreated bird guano remains can decrease solar panel efficiency by as much as 25%. Bird urine is acidic and forms a layer that prevents sunlight from hitting the photovoltaic cells, negatively impacting energy generation. Birds cause solar efficiency problems that cost millions, with $2.1 million lost a year for solar installations in Michigan alone.
- Long-term Damage and Corrosion
Not only do bird droppings cause efficiency loss from the outset, but they also inflict permanent damage on solar panels. The acidic compound in wastes eats into the panel, making tiny scratches, and with time, the damage worsens. And in regions like the Midwest with freeze-thaw cycles, that damage can lead to faster deterioration. While only a little waste needs routine cleaning, not keeping panels in order can harm them permanently, and specialists have to do the cleansing so that warranties will not be invalidated.
Nesting Problems That Come Along
- Fire hazards – The combination of dry nesting materials and electrical components can be a significant fire hazard, particularly during hot Kansas and Nebraska summers.
- Damage to structure – Raptors, such as crows and hawks, remove wiring and tear apart mounting structures when they build large nests.
- Infestation of pests – empty nests become a haven for all insects, rodents, and parasites that can migrate to your home or business
- Clogged gutters – The nesting materials block the gutters and drainage systems, resulting in Midwest storm-related water damage
- Noise & odors – Disturbances caused by active nests, sometimes the fowl create a racket as they find a mate
- Costly repairs – Entry panels become inaccessible, and it can be expensive to have nests professionally removed before repairs can be carried out
Professional Bird Control for Long-Term Solar Protection
From physical barriers to exclusion systems to species-specific maintenance programs for red-winged blackbirds and grackles, they provide complete solutions. While companies like Reliable Pest Solutions have been active in the Midwest regarding solar panel protection from birds, their specialists have developed a specific expertise in this area. Tough on your investment but free from harm to native wildlife, humane deterrent systems..
