Solar panels with bird protection along the lower tiled roof edge

Bird Protection Specialists in Barry

Help deter birds from nesting under your panels, with mesh proofing fitted by solar installers who know how to work around your system.

12 years

specialist solar experience

25 years

in the construction industry

2-year

workmanship warranty

£2m

public liability insurance

MCS · NAPIT

TrustMark · RECC

Why Birds Choose Solar Panels

The gap between solar panels and the roof is warm, dry and sheltered, which makes it an ideal nesting spot for pigeons and other birds. Once they move in, they tend to keep coming back.

Bird proofing fits a mesh barrier around the edges of your panel array, closing that gap to help deter birds from getting underneath. The fixing method must suit the array and follow equipment guidance.

It suits anyone who hears cooing or scratching on the roof, sees birds going in and out under the panels, notices nesting material or droppings around the array, or wants to prevent the problem before it starts.

Fitting mesh means working at height around an active electrical system and needs care not to damage panels or cabling. As solar installers, we know how the system is put together and how to protect it.

What Nesting Birds Cause

A few birds quickly become a bigger problem.

Damaged cabling

Birds can disturb or damage cables and connectors under the array.

Mess and blocked gutters

Nesting material and droppings build up on the roof and in gutters.

Reduced output

Droppings on panels block light and reduce generation.

Noise and hygiene

Constant noise and droppings around the home are unpleasant.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Waiting until a colony is established before acting.
  • Using generic products that are not designed for solar arrays.
  • Disturbing active nests or fitting mesh without checking for birds first.
  • Climbing onto the roof to deal with it yourself.

How the Job Works

  1. 1

    Enquiry

    Tell us what you have seen and heard around your panels.

  2. 2

    Inspection

    We check the array, the extent of the problem and any damage.

  3. 3

    Individual quote

    You receive a price for your array.

  4. 4

    Clearing and proofing

    Any permitted clearing and mesh installation depend on inspection. Active nests must not be disturbed; work may need to be postponed.

  5. 5

    Check and handover

    We check the system and back our work with a 2-year workmanship warranty.

What You Get

Nesting deterrent

Mesh can help deter birds from accessing the space beneath panels.

Cabling protected

Reduces the risk of damage beneath the array.

Cleaner roof

Less nesting material and mess on the roof and in gutters.

Generation protected

Less fouling on panels that blocks light.

Solar expertise

Fitted by people who install and repair solar systems.

Warranty

Backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty.

Bird Proofing in Detail

Good proofing is about keeping birds out without harming your system.

How mesh proofing works

A mesh barrier is fitted around the perimeter of the array, closing the space between panels and roof. The fixing method depends on the mesh system and array, and must respect panel and roof manufacturer requirements.

Clearing first

Active bird nests must not be disturbed. Inspection should establish whether work can proceed lawfully; any permitted clearing must avoid trapping birds.

Checking for damage

While we are there, we look at cabling and connectors for signs of damage. If we find faults, we will explain them and quote for repairs. See our fault finding page.

Coastal and urban areas

Pigeons are common across towns and cities such as Cardiff, Newport, Barry and Swansea, and coastal areas also bring gulls. Wherever you are in our area, the principle is the same: close the gap.

Commercial roofs

Larger arrays on business premises are assessed and quoted individually.

Signs birds are nesting under your panels

Look out for birds repeatedly landing on the roof and disappearing under the array, cooing or scratching noises above bedrooms, twigs and nesting material sticking out from the panel edges, and a build-up of droppings on the panels, roof, gutters and driveway below.

Why act early

Once birds have nested, they tend to return season after season, and more birds follow. The longer it goes on, the more debris builds up and the greater the chance of damage to cabling. Proofing may help deter nesting. Active nests must not be disturbed, and birds must not be trapped beneath panels.

Proofing at installation

If you are having new panels fitted, mesh can be added at the same time while access is already in place.

Residential and commercial roofs

On homes, bird proofing is mostly about stopping noise, mess and damage around a single array. On commercial and agricultural buildings, arrays are larger and roofs often attract more birds, so the amount of mesh and access needed is greater. Both are quoted individually after inspection.

Whatever the building, proofing works best alongside a clean and a quick check of the cabling beneath the panels, so you start from a clean, undamaged system.

Where we work

We are based at Cardiff House in Barry and carry out bird protection across South Wales, the South West of England and the West Midlands border, including Barry, Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Porthcawl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Brecon, Bristol, Bath, Gloucester, Hereford. See all the areas we cover.

Our Solar and Construction Experience

Complete Solar Services Ltd was set up by Sam Hayes about three years ago. Sam has 12 years specialising in solar and 25 years in the construction industry. Each bird protection job needs assessment of the relevant roof and electrical requirements.

The business is MCS certified, TrustMark endorsed, RECC approved and NAPIT registered. MCS is the recognised standard for small-scale renewable installations in the UK. TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality scheme for work in and around the home. RECC is a consumer code for renewable energy, and NAPIT registration covers the electrical side. We also carry £2m public liability insurance.

We primarily work with Fox batteries and inverters. Each job is quoted individually, with a 2-year workmanship warranty on our work. Any additional faults or upgrade options should be assessed and included in the agreed scope before work proceeds. System suitability, the work involved and visit arrangements depend on your property.

What to Expect From Your Quote

  • A price for your property and your needs only. We do not sell fixed packages or standard rates.
  • A plain explanation of what we recommend and why, so you can compare quotes properly.
  • No work goes ahead without your agreement.
  • Payment by bank transfer or credit/debit card.
  • A 2-year workmanship warranty on the work we carry out.
  • Contact during our working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.

To help us prepare a quote, tell us your postcode, a little about your property and anything you already know about your existing system. You can request a solar service quote or call 07301 504889.

Bird Protection FAQs

Still have a question? Call Sam Hayes on 07301 504889.

How much does solar panel bird proofing cost?

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It depends on the size of your array and whether clearing is needed. Every job is quoted individually.

Will mesh damage my panels or roof?

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Suitable attachment methods depend on the array and mesh product. Manufacturer requirements and the condition of the panels and roof must be checked.

Can you proof panels someone else installed?

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Suitability depends on the array, access and whether birds are actively nesting. Contact us for an assessment.

Should I proof before birds arrive?

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Proofing may help deter nesting. The array must be checked to avoid trapping birds or disturbing active nests.

How long does bird proofing take?

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It depends on the size of the array. We will confirm the timescale with your quote.

Does bird proofing harm the birds?

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Mesh proofing is a barrier that stops birds getting under the panels. It is designed to keep them out rather than trap them.

Will droppings on my panels reduce generation?

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Yes. Droppings block light where they land. Cleaning can remove existing debris; proofing may help deter nesting. Active nests must not be disturbed.

Do you bird proof solar panels in Cardiff and Newport?

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Yes. Pigeons are common across towns and cities in our area, and we fit mesh proofing across Barry, Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and beyond.

What guarantee do you give?

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All of our work is backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty.

Are you accredited and insured?

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Yes. We are MCS certified, TrustMark endorsed, RECC approved and NAPIT registered, and carry £2m public liability insurance.

Do you offer emergency call-outs?

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Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact us during working hours to discuss your enquiry.

How can I pay?

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By bank transfer or credit/debit card.

Which areas do you cover?

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We are based in Barry and cover Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Porthcawl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Brecon, Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Hereford.

Related Services

Complete Solar Services or explore all solar services.

SolaX solar inverter on a brick wall beside an electrical isolator

Arrange Solar Panel Bird Protection

Get an individual quote for bird proofing from solar installers.

MCS certified · 2-year workmanship warranty · £2m insured