How Gulls Are Causing Problems By Nesting Under Solar Panels

An increase in the number of gulls living in towns and cities has been noticed during the last decade.

One reason is an increased food supply from waste on the streets, and ever-growing landfill sites. Additionally, there are more areas to nest, with roofs and office blocks providing adequate shelter from predators.

With the increased use of solar panels to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for energy, gulls have found another resting place. Taking shelter underneath solar panels is causing property owners a headache.

Problems such as bird droppings make buildings look unpleasant and give surrounding areas a bad smell. Gulls are noisy creatures and therefore contribute to the level of noise towns and cities already endure. They can also become aggressive during spring and summer when they breed and protect their young.

Gulls nesting underneath solar panels can cause the equipment to run less efficiently as feathers and droppings block sunlight (as well as clutter gutters and drains). When light is blocked from reaching the panels, the current is impeded. This causes temperatures to increase leading to ‘hotspots’, which reduce the overall power output of the solar panels.

What can you do to protect your solar panels from gulls?

The best way to ward off gulls is to bird-proof your solar panels. You can purchase “bird-free” repellent gel and apply this near to your panels. Place a mesh around the sides of the solar panels to deter gulls from forcing their way underneath the panels.

Additionally, you can install spikes to deter gulls from ever going near your solar panels. Call a pest control expert to install spikes or fit mesh as they have more experience and better equipment to perform this task safely.

By following these suggestions, you’re likely to save money on maintenance costs and enjoy the full benefits that solar panels have to offer.