Solar panels are a great way to generate clean and renewable energy for your home or business. However, they can also attract unwanted guests, such as pigeons, who love to nest under them and cause various problems. In this blog post, I will introduce you to SolaSkirt, a premium solar panel pigeon proofing system that can protect your solar panel investment and make your solar panels look sleek and attractive.
What are the problems caused by pigeons under solar panels?
Pigeons are one of the most common pests that can infest your solar panels. They find the gap under the solar panels to be a warm, safe, and a sheltered place to build their nests and breed. However, this can have several negative consequences for your solar PV system and your health, such as:
- Damage to the cables and connectors: Pigeons can chew or peck on the wires and connectors that run under your solar panels, causing them to fray or break. This can reduce the efficiency and output of your solar PV system, or even cause a fire hazard.
- Build-up of guano: Pigeon droppings, or guano, can accumulate under your solar panels and on the roof, creating a foul smell and an unsightly mess. Guano is also acidic and corrosive, which can damage the roof tiles and the solar panel frames over time.
- Health risks: Pigeon guano can harbour various pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites, that can cause diseases in humans and animals. Some of these diseases include salmonellosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, and toxoplasmosis. Pigeon feathers and mites can also trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people.
- Noise nuisance: Pigeons can be very noisy, especially during their mating season or when they are disturbed. Their cooing, flapping, and scratching can be annoying and disruptive for you and your neighbours.
How does SolaSkirt work?
SolaSkirt is a specially designed system that prevents pigeons from accessing the gap under your solar panels. It consists of two main components:
- Powder-coated aluminium skirt: This is a 1.5mm thick metal sheet that covers the entire perimeter of your solar array, creating a seamless barrier that pigeons cannot penetrate. The skirt is available in black or silver to match your panel frames and roof tiles.
- Aluminium clamps: These are sturdy metal brackets that attach the SolaSkirt to the sides of the solar panels without drilling or screwing into the frames, which could invalidate their warranty. The clamps are adjustable and compatible with any type of solar panel.
SolaSkirt is easy to install by professional installers who use rope access techniques to access your roof without the need for scaffolding or ladders. The installation process also includes:
- Removal of nests: The installers will carefully remove any existing pigeon nests under your solar panels and dispose of them safely.
- Gutter clearing: The installers will clear any debris or guano from your gutters and downpipes to ensure proper water drainage.
- Biocide application: The installers will spray a biocide solution under your solar panels and on your roof to kill any remaining germs or parasites from the pigeons.
- Panel cleaning: The installers will give your solar panels a thorough cleaning with water and detergent to remove any dirt or stains.
What are the benefits of SolaSkirt?
SolaSkirt offers several advantages over other pigeon proofing methods, such as mesh or spikes. Some of these benefits are:
- Durability: SolaSkirt is made of high-quality aluminium that is resistant to rust, corrosion, weathering, and UV rays. It will last for as long as your solar panels do without needing any maintenance or replacement.
- Security: SolaSkirt is securely fixed to your panels with clamps that cannot be easily removed or tampered with by pigeons or other animals. It also does not create any gaps or openings that could allow pests to enter.
- Aesthetics: SolaSkirt gives your solar panels a sleek and elegant finish that enhances their appearance and value. It covers up any unsightly elements such as gaps, rails, clamps, and rain-water run-off that often make on-roof solar PV systems look unattractive.
- Performance: SolaSkirt does not affect the performance or efficiency of your solar panels in any way. It does not block any sunlight or ventilation from reaching your panels. It also does not interfere with the electrical wiring or connections of your solar PV system.
Top Reasons to get SolaSkirt
- Gives solar panels a sleek finish.
- Fits every panel.
- Improves curb appeal.
- Keeps out pigeons and other pests.
- Prevents detritus build up.
- Storm tested.
- New installations & retrofit.
- 20-Year product warranty.
- Innovative design.
- Gives silver framed systems a black trim.
- Hides rail, gaps, water run-off, cables and clamps.
- Skirt available in Black or Silver finish.
How much does SolaSkirt cost?
The cost of SolaSkirt depends on several factors, such as the size and shape of your solar array, the location and accessibility of your roof, and the extent of your pigeon infestation. However, SolaSkirt is generally more affordable than other pigeon proofing options, as it does not require any scaffolding or drilling. It also saves you money in the long run by preventing any damage or repair costs to your solar PV system or your roof.
To get a free no-obligation quote for SolaSkirt, you can contact us at NXTGEN Energy on 01268 928 690, email us at info@nxtgen.ltd or click on the ‘Enquire Now’ button below. We will ask you some basic details about your solar PV system and your roof, and then send you a personalised estimate for a SolaSkirt.
Conclusion
SolaSkirt is the best solution for protecting your solar panels from pigeons and making them look good. It is durable, secure, aesthetic, and performance-friendly. It is also easy to install and cost-effective. If you want to enjoy the benefits of your solar panels without the hassle of pigeons, SolaSkirt is the way to go!
Frequently Asked Questions about SolaSkirt
SolaSkirt is a premium solar panel pigeon proofing system that gives a sleek and secure finish to any solar panel installation. It is designed and manufactured by Titan Eco.
Pigeons love to nest under solar panels, which can cause damage to the cables, reduce the output of the solar PV system, and create a health hazard with their droppings. SolaSkirt keeps the pigeons out and protects your investment for its lifetime.
SolaSkirt is made of 1.5mm powder coated aluminium skirt and clamps that attach to the side of the panel. It covers the gap, rail, clamps and rain-water run-off, which are often unsightly and attract pigeons. SolaSkirt gives your solar panels a sleek black finish that improves their aesthetics.
The cost of SolaSkirt depends on the size and shape of your solar panel system. You can get a free quote from NXTGEN Energy on 01268 928 690 or admin@nxtgen.ltd.
You will be able to considerably reduce the risk of fire, as well as helping to improve the cleanliness and structural security of your roof. When it comes to installing Solar Panel Skirting like SolaSkirt, they are easy to install and make your solar panels look good.
Not only is this an inconvenience to you, but pigeons and other pests can cause lasting damage to your solar panels. Pigeon droppings have high acidity, and they can cause corrosion and structural damage. It’s best practice to pigeon proof your solar panels before the problem arises.
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