Gull problems on Roofs & Solar Panels

Also see: https://www.btpenviro.com/gulls-and-solar-panels/

• Blocked gutters & drains from fouling & nest materials
• Aggressive birds in the breeding season
• Disease transmission such as Bird Flu (Avian influenza H5N1)
• Contaminated solar panels – reduced efficency or damage

Seagull damage

Seabirds have a long and complex courtship. This includes the male Gulls during the courtship period will pick up items such as stones, bones and vegitation and drop them to impress the female. Droppings, nesting materials and feather will all block gutters, roof valleys and down pipes. Below is an array that had damage due to the gulls picking up and dropping stones as part of their courtship.

Solar panels contaminated with bird guano will be reduced in efficency due to shading

Gulls will peck at cables, fixings, insulation etc causing direct damage to arrays

Client Perspective

As a client who has invested in solar panels to promote clean energy and potentially save on electricity costs, having seagulls create problems with these panels can be quite frustrating. There are several ways in which seagulls can disrupt the functionality of the solar panels:

1. Fouling: Seagulls often leave droppings, which can accumulate over time on the surface of the panels. This not only looks unsightly, but it also obstructs sunlight from reaching the panels, reducing their efficiency. Cleaning these panels can be quite a task due to their location, and frequent cleaning could potentially damage them.

2. Nesting: Seagulls may also build nests on or around the panels. The materials they use, such as sticks, grass, or seaweed, can shade or even damage the panels. Moreover, nests can cause hotspots when shading parts of the panels, which can lead to panel damage over time.

3. Noise: Seagulls can be quite noisy, especially in the breeding season, which could potentially be a nuisance for those living nearby.

4. Physical Damage: Seagulls, especially larger species, can potentially damage the solar panels. They may peck at wiring or at the panels themselves, causing physical damage that could be expensive to repair.

As a solar aray owner or manager, you are not only concerned about the potential reduction in power output, but also about the potential additional costs for cleaning, repair, and maintenance. The problem could also reduce the lifespan of my investment, making it less cost-effective than initially anticipated.

Moreover, it’s not just about the direct impact on solar panels; it’s also about the broader implications. For instance, a large number of seagulls congregating can cause disturbance, noise, and mess in the area, which might affect my quality of life or relationships with neighbours also.

In conclusion, the problems posed by seagulls on my solar panels are multifaceted, affecting not just the financial and functional aspects of you investment, but also potentially having broader impacts the working environment.

It’s important to seek solutions to mitigate these issues, whether that’s through deterrent devices, regular maintenance, or other strategies.

Call us on  01258 63 951 to discuss your gull issues.

 Solutions for Seagull Problems

As most species of Gulls are protected by law under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The only way to deter them is by non lethal methods, such as physical barrier, e.g spikes and netting.

Scaring is permitted at certain times of the year.

This can include the flying of real birds of prey, Hawk Kites, Bio Acoustic distress calls and even lasers.