---
title: "Pigeons under solar panels: how to stop them"
description: Why pigeons nest under solar panels, the damage they cause, and how mesh guards stop them without harming your panels or warranty.
image: https://cleanvolts.co.za/hubfs/pigeons-under-solar-panels-featured.png
---

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![Pigeon on a tiled roof next to solar panels on a South African home](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/pigeons-under-solar-panels-featured.png?width=1200&height=630&name=pigeons-under-solar-panels-featured.png)

# Pigeons under solar panels: how to stop them

![Tony Lopes](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/clean%20volts%20launch%20post.png?width=48&height=48&name=clean%20volts%20launch%20post.png)

 Tony Lopes

November 6, 2026

**Short answer:** Remove the nests and droppings first, clean the panels, then fit mesh or clip-on guards around the edges of the array so birds can't get underneath. Good guards clip onto the panel frames without drilling, so they don't affect your warranty. Nests block airflow, damage cables and cut output, so deal with them early.

*Last updated November 2026.*

The gap between a roof and its solar panels is warm, dry and sheltered, which makes it ideal for pigeons. Once one pair moves in, others follow. Bird proofing is often done alongside a [solar panel cleaning service](https://cleanvolts.co.za/solar-panel-cleaning), because the panels and roof need cleaning before guards go on.

## **How do I stop pigeons nesting under my solar panels?**

1. **Remove nests and droppings** from under the array, using gloves and a mask. Dried droppings carry disease.
2. **Clean the panels and gutters,** since droppings on the glass cut output.
3. **Check cables and connectors** for chewing, loose fixings or damage. Anything suspect goes to a registered installer.
4. **Fit guards** around the whole perimeter of the array: galvanised or PVC-coated mesh held by clips that grip the panel frame.
5. **Check after a few weeks** for gaps the birds have found, especially at corners and where the array meets the roof ridge.

## **Do birds damage solar panels?**

| Problem | Effect |
| --- | --- |
| **Droppings on the glass** | Shade parts of the cells and cut output; they don't wash off easily in rain. |
| **Nesting material** | Blocks airflow so panels run hotter, and is a fire risk near cabling. |
| **Cable damage** | Birds and the rodents that follow them can damage insulation and connectors. |
| **Blocked gutters** | Nest debris washes into gutters and causes overflows and leaks. |

## **Is bird mesh safe for my warranty?**

Yes, if it's clipped on. Avoid any method that drills, glues or screws into the panel frames, which can void the panel warranty and damage the module. Ask your installer or cleaning provider which clips they use, and check they're rated for outdoor use.

## **How much does bird proofing cost?**

The price depends on the length of the array's perimeter, roof height and access, and whether a clean and nest removal are needed first. Ask for a quote that itemises cleaning, nest removal, mesh and labour separately so you can compare.

**Safety First**

- **Don't go on the roof yourself.** Use a provider with working-at-heights training and fall protection.
- **Panels and cables carry DC voltage in daylight.** Don't pull at cables or connectors while removing nests.
- **Wear gloves and a mask** around droppings.

## **Frequently Asked Questions**

### **Do birds damage solar panels?**

Yes. Droppings cut output, nests trap heat, and cables can be damaged.

### **Is bird mesh safe for my warranty?**

Clip-on mesh is. Avoid anything that drills or glues into the panel frames.

### **How much does bird proofing cost?**

It depends on the array's perimeter, roof access and whether a clean comes first. Ask for an itemised quote.

## **Where We Fit In**

CleanVolts arranges panel cleaning and bird proofing through vetted partners, and refers any cable or connector damage to a registered [CleanVolts Approved](https://cleanvolts.co.za/cleanvolts-approved) installer. The provider contracts with you directly. If they pay us a referral fee, we tell you up front.

[**Book a panel clean**](https://cleanvolts.co.za/solar-panel-cleaning) · [When to clean your solar panels](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/when-to-clean-solar-panels)

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## Keep reading

### [![Couple reviewing home loan paperwork at a dining table with solar panels visible on a nearby roof](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/solar-bond-re-advance-featured.png?width=1200&height=630&name=solar-bond-re-advance-featured.png) Financing solar with a bond re-advance or further loan](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/solar-bond-re-advance)

### [![Hand adjusting a smart timer switch in a modern South African home with a pool outside](https://cleanvolts.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/cut-usage-before-solar-featured-1.png?width=1200&height=630&name=cut-usage-before-solar-featured-1.png) Cut your usage before you size solar](https://cleanvolts.co.za/guides/cut-usage-before-solar)

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