Join Us

How to put mesh around solar panels?

Author: Steve

May. 13, 2024

Solar Panel Mesh Installation Guide - PestFix

Solar Panel Mesh Installation Guide

Read more

Solar panels are ALWAYS live and supply DC voltage; ensure you fully understand the solar panel system and how to avoid risk of electric shock prior to commencing work. If in doubt seek professional advice/help from a pest controller, solar panel installer or electrician.

Bird droppings and nesting material contain organisms called zoonoses which are capable of transferring many types bacterial and spore-born disease between the host and humans, including Ornithosis, Chlamydia, E-coli & Salmonella. Nests and feathers can contain biting insects/parasites including Red Mite, Ticks, and Fleas that can feed on human blood and transfer disease. Always clean the work area thoroughly with a proprietary avian disinfectant such as Guanaway or PX Ornikill, removing all traces of bird droppings and nest debris (in accordance with local wildlife protection legislation)

Working at height can be hazardous, use appropriate access equipment, such as a roof ladder, scaffolding or mobile elevated work platform to provide safe, all-round access to the work area. Wear suitable fall arrest equipment and do not work during inclement weather conditions where ice, high winds, rain or electrical storms could be a hazard.

The objective of the solar panel exclusion kit WM134 is to put a physical barrier between the pest Feral Pigeon and its intended destination, under your solar panel array. Solar Panels provide the birds with the perfect protective habitat in which to roost and breed. Pigeons can squeeze through any gap greater than 50mm / 2”, therefore great attention to detail and careful preparation is required to achieve maximum results.

1. Thoroughly clean solar panels to remove all traces of faecal matter and nest site debris. Use an avian disinfectant such as PX Ornikill or Guanaway and dress the area with a coarse surface spray as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

2. Cut the welded mesh roll into manageable section of approximately 2 metres, on the ground. This will make working with the mesh at height easier. Wear protective gloves when handling and cutting the mesh, it will have very sharp edges.

3. Using a length of timber as a straight edge fold up the mesh approximately one-third of the width in from the outside edge at approximately 30 degrees. This will make the mesh easier to lock into position when applying the solar panel mesh retaining clips (WM132).

4. Slide the Solar Panel Mesh Clips (WM132) in to position on the return lip on the underside of the solar panel. Use a minimum of 2 clips on the panel’s short edge and 3 clips on the long edge. It may be necessary to use more clips where mesh panels overlap. Offer up the first panel with the bent section lowermost and touching the roof surface.

5. Line up the appropriate mesh holes with the solar panel mesh clips you installed earlier and slide the mesh over the serrated shaft of the clip so that it protrudes through the mesh. Slide on the locking disc. Warning these are one way locking mechanisms and cannot be reversed, so ensure you are happy with the mesh panel alignment before pushing the locking disc home. Push it all the way down the shaft so that it pulls the mesh close to the solar panel and roof tile. The bent section of mesh will help lock the screen into position against the roof.

6. Always install the mesh panels starting from an outside corner into the middle of the panel array. Start at each end and work your way towards the middle. Cut the mesh at 45 degrees across the bent section of the panel to form a neat corner.

7. Cut the adjoining perpendicular mesh channel at 45 degrees in the opposite direction and abut to the 1st panel to form a chamfered corner. Secure using the cable ties provided.

8. Ensure that adjoining panels overlap by 8-10 squares and are locked together using a solar panel mesh clip in the middle.

9. Obstructions such as mounting brackets and wiring should be carefully cut around, taking great care not to leave too big a gap to allow the pigeons to gain access. (No more than 50mm)

Goto gaite to know more.

Featured content:
Enhancing Process Efficiency and Safety
Chain Link Fence: A Classic Choice for Airport Perimeters
Innovations in Oyster Aquaculture

10. Using the wire cutters provided neatly trim-off the excess mesh and discard, leaving the mesh flush with the top edge of the solar panel frame. Then trim-off the tails left over from the solar panel mesh clips to give a neat finish.

11. If correctly installed in accordance with these instructions your Solar Panel Mesh Exclusion Kit should give a long lasting solution to a messy problem and be practically invisible from the ground.

Bird Control for Solar Panels

The best way to stop pigeons from nesting under your solar panels is to install Solar Panel Mesh and Clips to guard the undersides of the panels. This mesh is run along the perimeters of the solar array too stop birds and rodents from accessing the warm protected underside. Once the mesh is run along the perimeters, Bird B Gone Solar Clips are used to hold the mesh in place without damaging the panel frames. 

What Attracts Birds to Solar Panels?

Your solar panels provide a large, sheltered area for birds to nest. The panels themselves shelter birds from harsh weather conditions and predatory threats. They also act as a heat source for nesting birds. Birds are attracted to their pheromones, which can be found in their droppings and nesting debris. Cleaning and sanitizing the infested areas will help reduce the chances of birds returning to nest again.  

Note: It is important to clean away nesting materials and droppings thoroughly before installation of products. 

Bird Deterrents for Solar Panels

The solar panels mounted on your rooftop are the first areas pigeons look to nest. For this reason, installing effective and durable solar panel bird control is extremely important. 

A high quality coated steel mesh is recommended for these areas to prevent rusting and corrosion to occur.  Avoid using chicken wire and other unprotected steel panels, as these screens will quickly rust and begin to damage your solar investment. Bird B Gone’s Solar Panel Bird Deterrent Kit contains a total of 50’ of mesh cut into 5’ long panels and a pack of 35 Solar Panel Clips. Bulk quantities of Solar Mesh is available in 100’ rolls and our Solar Clips are available in packs of 35, 50, and 100 (sold separately). Requests an Authorized Bird B Gone Solar Panel Bird Deterrent Installer.

Solar Panel Bird Deterrent Kit

  • Included:
    • 10 precut wire mesh panels (5-ft x 8-in) a total of 50 linear feet
    • 35 solar panel clips
  • Steel Mesh is coated with weather resistant Black PVC .058”
  • Mesh and clips can be removed for service and repair of solar array

100-ft Rolls of Wire Mesh 

  • Steel Mesh is coated with weather resistant Black Coated PVC .058”
  • Black coating blends in with underside of panels
  • Available in 8” and 6” tall mesh

Solar Panel Clips 

  • Pack sizes: 35, 50 and 100 clips
  • Made from stainless steel material
  • Clips hook under and clamp on to frame of panel
  • No drilling or screws necessary

Birds Perching Around My Solar Panels

You might be wonder why the birds are sticking around the area after installing solar panel mesh. This is a common occurrence when birds have nested previously. As we mentioned earlier, birds are attracted to their pheromones and have instincts to remain in the area. For these birds, experts recommend installing Bird Control products for Rooftops, such as bird spikes. Spikes can be installed on to the peak where bird are perching. This will make it more difficult for pigeons to sit near the panels. 

Reducing the Population with Trapping

Introducing a trapping program will significantly reduce the population of birds who remain in the area. This is a method commonly used by pest control and bird control professionals to eliminate birds who have homing instincts to remain near the property. 

Pigeon Trap for Slanted Surfaces

  • Humanely traps pigeons
  • Adjustable legs ideal for slanted surfaces 
  • Shade, food, and water will help attract pigeons to the trap
  • Safely release birds away from the area
  • Skill Level: Request a Bird B Gone Authorized Installer

Professional Recommendations

If you are unsure of which bird deterrents to install on your solar panels, please give our Bird Control Experts a call at 1-800-392-6915. Our team of experts are ready to identify the problem and help find the best possible solution for your solar array. 

The company is the world’s best solar panel bird proofing mesh supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

54

0

Comments

0/2000

All Comments (0)

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)

0/2000