Solar Panel Bird & Squirrel Proofing for New Installations
Installing Solar Panels? Protect Them Before Problems Start
Solar panels are a long-term investment, but the space beneath the panels can quickly become a nesting and shelter area for pigeons, birds and even squirrels.
Once installed, the gap between the roof and panels provides warmth, protection and a secure environment — making it highly attractive to wildlife.
Rather than waiting for problems to develop, installing solar panel proofing at the time of installation prevents access from the outset.
Call Nex Pest Control Today
📞 01438 870688
💬 WhatsApp 07853 726348
or
Request a free quote today.
Do Solar Panels Need Bird or Squirrel Proofing?
This is a common question when planning a solar installation.
While not every property will experience issues, homes in areas with bird activity or nearby trees often see pigeons, small birds or squirrels accessing the space beneath panels.
Common problems include:
Pigeons and birds nesting beneath panels
Squirrels accessing and damaging wiring
Noise from animals under the roof
Droppings and nesting debris
Blocked gutters and drainage issues
Reduced airflow around panels
Preventative proofing removes access completely, eliminating the risk.
Why Install Protection During Solar Panel Installation?
Installing proofing at the same time as your solar panels provides the most effective long-term solution.
Key Benefits
Prevent pigeons, birds and squirrels from gaining access
Avoid future pest control and cleaning costs
Protect cables, insulation and roofing materials
Maintain the appearance of your property
Avoid disruption after installation
Retrofitting protection later often involves additional cleaning, removal of nesting materials and increased labour.
Professional Solar Panel Protection System
Nex Pest Control installs high-quality solar panel mesh systems designed to prevent birds and squirrels accessing the area beneath solar panels.
The system is installed around the perimeter of the solar array using specialist clips that securely attach to the panel frame.
System Features
Non-invasive installation (no drilling into panels)
Heavy-duty galvanised steel mesh
Designed to prevent birds and squirrel access
Discreet appearance from ground level
Weather-resistant and long-lasting
The system allows airflow while preventing entry.
Industry Leading Warranty
We are extremely confident in the quality of our materials and installations.
Our solar panel proofing systems include:
15 year warranty on galvanised mesh systems
20 year warranty on black PVC coated mesh systems
This provides long-term protection for your solar panel investment.
Protection Installed at the Right Time
The most effective time to install solar panel proofing is immediately after the panels have been fitted.
This ensures:
No opportunity for nesting or access
Clean and efficient installation
Faster installation process
We regularly work alongside solar installers to provide protection as part of the installation process.
Protect Your Solar Investment From Day One
If you are planning to install solar panels, it is worth including bird and squirrel protection as part of the project.
Many homeowners only become aware of the issue after animals have already accessed the panels — by which point removal and cleaning work is required.
Preventative installation protects your system from the start and avoids unnecessary future costs.
Why Our Solar Panel Protection System Is Different
Not all solar panel proofing systems are the same. Many cheaper options use lightweight materials or basic plastic products that are not designed to provide long-term protection.
At Nex Pest Control, we install a professional-grade system designed to withstand bird pressure and prevent squirrel access — delivering reliable, long-term results.
Heavy-Duty Mesh vs Cheap Lightweight Alternatives
Some providers use thin 1mm wire mesh or low-grade materials to reduce costs.
While this may appear similar at first, lightweight mesh can:
Bend or deform over time
Be forced open by persistent birds
Fail prematurely in exposed weather conditions
We use heavy-duty galvanised steel mesh specifically selected for solar panel protection, providing:
Strong resistance against pigeons and birds
Increased durability in all weather conditions
Long-term structural integrity
This ensures the system remains effective for years, not months.
Designed to Stop Squirrels — Not Just Birds
Many basic systems are only designed to deter birds and are not suitable for preventing squirrel access.
Squirrels are capable of:
Biting through weak materials
Pulling away poorly installed mesh
Accessing gaps left by inadequate fitting
Our system is installed to prevent access from both birds and squirrels, offering a higher level of protection for your solar panels and wiring.
Why Plastic Proofing Systems Fail
Plastic solar panel proofing products are sometimes used as a lower-cost alternative.
However, plastic systems can:
Become brittle over time due to UV exposure
Crack or degrade in changing weather conditions
Be chewed or damaged by wildlife
For long-term reliability, a metal mesh system provides significantly greater strength and lifespan.
The Truth About “Free” Solar Panel Proofing
Some solar panel installers offer “free” bird proofing as part of a package.
In most cases, this involves:
Lightweight or low-cost materials
Basic installation methods
Systems designed to minimise cost rather than maximise performance
These installations are often not designed to withstand long-term bird activity or prevent squirrel access.
As a result, many homeowners experience problems later and require replacement or upgrades.
Specialist Installation vs General Installation
Solar installers focus on fitting panels — not long-term pest prevention.
Nex Pest Control specialises in:
Bird behaviour and nesting patterns
Correct mesh tension and fixing methods
Identifying and sealing all access points
Installing systems designed for long-term effectiveness
This specialist approach ensures a higher standard of installation and a more reliable result.
A Long-Term Solar Panel Protection Solution
Choosing a professional system from the outset helps avoid:
Repeat installations
Ongoing maintenance issues
Additional pest control costs
Our goal is to provide a fit-and-forget solution that protects your solar panels from birds and squirrels for the long term.
Areas We Cover
Nex Pest Control provides professional solar panel bird and squirrel proofing across a wide range of counties and regions, including:
Hertfordshire
Bedfordshire
Cambridgeshire
Essex
Buckinghamshire
Northamptonshire
Peterborough
Greater London
Kent
We cover all surrounding towns and villages within these areas, working with homeowners and solar installers to deliver reliable, long-term solar panel protection.
Get a Quote for Solar Panel Protection
If you are installing solar panels and want to prevent pigeons, birds or squirrels accessing underneath, contact Nex Pest Control for professional advice and installation.
Early installation ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do squirrels go under solar panels?
Yes. Squirrels are known to access the space beneath solar panels and can cause damage by chewing cables and insulation.
Do birds always nest under solar panels?
Not always, but pigeons and other birds commonly use the sheltered space for nesting, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
Is proofing necessary for new solar panels?
While not always essential, preventative proofing is strongly recommended in areas with bird or squirrel activity to avoid future issues.
Can protection be added later?
Yes, but installing it during or immediately after installation is typically quicker, cleaner and more cost-effective.
Will the mesh affect my solar panels?
No. Professional systems are non-invasive and designed not to impact panel performance or warranties.
Get a Free Solar Panel Protection Quote
If you are installing solar panels or want to protect your system from pigeons, birds or squirrels, Nex Pest Control can provide professional advice and installation.
We offer a straightforward quoting process with no obligation.
Contact Nex Pest Control Today
💬 WhatsApp 07853 726348
or
Or request a quote online and we will respond as soon as possible..
Protect your solar panels today.
Call or Message Us
The fastest way to reach us is by phone or WhatsApp.
📞 Call Us
01438 870688 – Stevenage Office
01462 374030 – Hitchin Office
Client Reviews & Feedback
We are a small family run business of dedicated Pest Controllers that take great pride in our work.
Where we work
- Stevenage
- Hitchin
- Letchworth
- Baldock
- Welwyn Garden city
- Ware
- Hertford
Where we work (Bird control)
- Hertfordshire
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Essex
- Buckinghamshire
- Northamptonshire
- Peterborough
- Greater London
- Kent
