Bird Poop on My Solar Panel?

You’re packing things up for an RV trip and you’re bringing your solar panel along to help offset some of your energy needs while on the road.

But then you notice a large bird has pooped on your solar panel! What do you do?

Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world if your solar panel gets pooped on.

We Guide You Through:

Can Bird Poop Damage Your Solar Panel?

Bird poop can damage your solar panel in a number of ways.

In some cases, the acid in bird droppings is so strong that it can etch the surface of your solar panel, making it less effective at converting sunlight into electrical energy.

It depends on the bird, the poop, and the solar panel quality.

Then the temporary effect on the efficiency of your solar panel – Bird poop normally blocks sunlight from reaching the solar cells, reducing the panel’s power output. That’s why solar panels need to be washed every once in a while. 

Bird Poop Prevention

There are a few things you can do to deter birds from roosting on or near your solar panel.

 

Bird Poop Prevention at Home

If we’re talking about the solar panels for home use, you can do a lot and definitely get the birds avoid your solar panels.  

One is to install a physical barrier, such as chicken wire, around the perimeter of the panel. This will make it more difficult for birds to land on the panel and will also make it easier for you to spot and clean up any bird droppings that do occur. Yeah, you may not want to do any harm to little birdies so this spiky option may not be for you.

Another option is to use a bird repellent spray around the perimeter of the panel. There are a number of different products available, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is safe to use around your solar panel. Some common ingredients in bird repellent sprays include methyl anthranilate and capsaicin. Capsaicin is all natural, it is normally found in chili peppers and is used in a variety of bird repellent products.

You can also try using a light-colored tarp or cover to make your solar panel less visible to birds. This may not completely deter them, but it will make it more difficult for birds to see your panel and be tempted to land on it. Hey, but that will cover up your panels and make them less effective so this is probably not the best option unless you’re not using the solar panels at the time.

If you have a bird problem, there are a number of different solutions you can try to keep the birds away from your solar panel. Just be sure to take steps to protect your panel from damage, and clean up any droppings that do occur. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your solar panel running smoothly for years to

Another idea is to use a sonic bird repeller. These devices emit a high-frequency sound that is designed to keep birds away from the area. Some people find these devices to be effective, while others do not. If you decide to give one a try, be sure to read the reviews carefully before purchasing to make sure you get a quality product.