Solar Panel Bird Proofing Mandurah & Perth

Mandurah and Perth have an excellent climate and lots of sun. Which is great for solar panels, obviously. But pigeons love it too. Warmth, shade, shelter... your roof becomes a five-star hotel for these feathered squatters. Especially in coastal Perth spots like Mandurah, where the climate is kind and there’s no shortage of rooftops to choose from. And unlike magpies or other native birds that keep to trees or fences, pigeons have zero shame in settling down under your shiny new solar system.

They’re not just stopping by for a quick nap either; they move in. Nesting season? More like nesting year-round. Because under those panels, they’re protected from rain, wind, and predators.

Let’s be blunt: pigeons make a mess. And we’re not just talking about the usual droppings here and there. Once they nest under your panels, it’s a whole different ball game. You’ve got feathers, twigs, scraps of plastic, eggshells; and sometimes even a dead bird (yep, it happens). All of that builds up underneath and around the solar panels, trapping heat and moisture. Not exactly what your system was designed to handle.

There’s also the issue of pecking and scratching. It might seem harmless, but over time that contact can lead to wires being exposed or chewed. Additionally dirt can eventually end up in your gutters.

It’s not just gross; it’s costly. Pigeon poo is acidic. Leave enough of it baking in the sun on your panels and it’ll start corroding the surface. That fancy tempered glass? It’s strong, but not immune. The more droppings, the more light gets blocked, and that means your panels aren’t soaking up the sun like they should. Over time, you’ll see a real dip in efficiency. Maybe not all at once, but bit by bit; until you're wondering why your power savings aren’t adding up anymore.

Also, no one wants to clean that stuff off. It’s sticky, it stains, and in some cases, it hardens like cement. Plus, the runoff gets into your gutters and drains, clogging them and spreading the mess. All from a few persistent birds that decided your panels were the perfect rooftop resort.

When the birds start treating your solar panels like a place to nest, it’s time to draw a line. Luckily, Mandurah’s got a few solid bird-proofing options that don’t involve anything that hurts them. From sturdy mesh barriers to various types of clips and pins that keep them away, there’s more than one way to tell the birds: “This is not your hangout spot.”

But not all bird-proofing is created equal. Some solutions are built to last, while others? Let’s just say they look good on paper and not so great after the first storm rolls in. Below’s a breakdown of the real options used around Mandurah homes; and a few you should probably avoid.

Mesh is the go-to. It’s clean, subtle, and most importantly; it works. The mesh is cut to size and fitted neatly around the perimeter of your solar panels using specialised clips (no drilling needed). The goal isn’t to trap or harm the birds, just to shut the door on them ever getting in again. It’s a passive barrier with zero aggression; exactly how deterrents should be.

And aesthetics matter. No one wants to turn their roof into a chicken wire sculpture. These meshes are built with that in mind; thin but strong, discreet but effectiv.

Yep. It’s a no-brainer.

Plastic mesh might be cheaper up front, but that’s about where the benefits end. Under Perth’s sun, salt, wind, and rain? It’s going to warp, crack, and eventually peel off like old paint. Birds are clever. If there's even a small weak point, they’ll find it; and exploit it.

Wire mesh, especially galvanised or stainless steel, is a long-term investment. It holds up to the elements, doesn’t rust easily, and once it’s clipped into place, it doesn’t move. That’s what you want when you’re trying to lock pigeons out.

It’s not about throwing up chicken wire and hoping for the best. It’s about precision, weatherproofing, and avoiding damage to your existing setup.

Most bird-proofing setups follow a simple principle: keep birds out without messing with what’s already there. The key is to create a neat barrier around the edge of your solar panels so birds can’t sneak underneath; but you don’t block airflow or sunlight either. And no, the mesh doesn’t touch the panels themselves. It’s clipped along the sides, just below the edge, like a skirt; but for pigeons.

It doesn’t involve tearing up tiles, punching holes in metal, or anything dramatic. If someone says they need to drill into your roof? Run.

Nope. And it shouldn’t. Any proper bird-proofing job avoids roof penetration entirely. Our mesh systems use panel-safe clips that latch onto the aluminium frame of your solar panels. That way, your roof stays untouched, your warranties stay valid, and the job stays clean.

Drilling into your roof tiles (or tin) is not only unnecessary; it’s risky. You’re just asking for leaks, rust, or bigger issues down the track. If someone suggests doing that, it’s a clear sign they’re either inexperienced or cutting corners. And honestly, with mesh clips available that are designed for this exact purpose, there’s really no excuse.

The magic’s in the clips.

These little fasteners are specially designed to hook onto the solar panel’s underside frame. The mesh is trimmed to fit flush along the perimeter, and the clips clamp it down; tight, secure, and barely visible from ground level.

Once it’s all clipped in place, the mesh hugs the shape of your system; leaving no gaps for birds to shimmy through. It’s firm enough to keep them out, but flexible enough to avoid damaging anything.

Look, technically? Sure. You can try. If you're handy on a ladder and know your way around solar hardware, it's not the most complicated DIY project in the world.

But should you? That’s a different story.

Climbing onto your roof isn’t exactly a Sunday stroll. You’ve got height, heat, fragile equipment, and let’s be honest; most of us aren’t trained to be up there fiddling with tools near a live power source. And those “universal mesh kits” you find online? They often don’t fit quite right, or they require clips that aren't compatible with your specific panel system.

John James is a professional installer and we know what to look for: the right angle, the right fasteners, and how to secure the mesh without voiding any warranties or damaging the panels. So unless you really know what you’re doing, it’s probably best left to us.

What are the benefits of solar panel bird proofing?

Most people don’t give much thought to what’s going on underneath their solar panels; until things start to smell, or flutter, or get weirdly loud at dawn. Bird proofing might seem like an afterthought, but in reality? It’s one of those low-effort, high-impact upgrades that saves you headaches later. You’re not just keeping birds out; you’re protecting your roof, your solar investment, and honestly, your peace and quiet.

And once it’s in place, it’s mostly out of sight, out of mind. Just doing its job. Quietly. Like a good pair of sunglasses or a screen door that actually shuts properly.

Definitely. Panels are designed to soak up sunlight and pump out energy, not house a colony of messy tenants underneath. When pigeons set up shop under your panels, all sorts of issues crop up; heat gets trapped, moisture builds up, cables get knocked about, and nests press against sensitive wiring.

Over time, that constant wear and tear shortens the life of your system. But with bird mesh in place? No nesting. No nesting means fewer risks. And fewer risks mean your panels can do what they’re meant to do: work hard for decades. Bird-proofing doesn’t boost output like a magic upgrade; but it helps keep things running smoothly, for longer. Which might be even better, depending on how you look at it.

Absolutely. Pigeon mess isn’t just gross; it’s acidic. That means if droppings are left to bake in the sun (and let’s face it, we’re in Mandurah, so that’s a lot of baking), they start to eat into your panel’s surface over time. That can cause permanent etching or dulling of the glass, which means reduced efficiency and expensive cleaning.

And then there’s the build-up underneath; feathers, droppings, old nests, sometimes eggs or even dead birds (yeah, it happens). That stuff can block airflow, attract other pests, or get washed into your gutters during the first decent storm. Cleaning it out regularly isn’t cheap; and isn’t fun either.

By shutting birds out completely, mesh saves you the hassle (and cost) of calling in roof cleaners or solar maintenance crews every six months. It’s the kind of job that pays for itself faster than people think.

Yep. No traps and no poisons. Just a simple barrier that says, “No entry.” The mesh doesn’t hurt the birds; it just makes it inconvenient for them to settle in. Eventually, they give up and move on to somewhere less protected (hopefully not your neighbour’s house, but hey).

That makes it one of the few bird control methods that’s humane, effective, and fully compliant with wildlife protection standards. Plus, by keeping your panels clean and running efficiently, you’re also reducing waste and getting the most out of your renewable energy setup. So it’s a win for you; and the planet.

How much does solar panel bird proofing cost in Mandurah / Perth?

How much is this bird-proofing your solar panels going to cost you?

Honestly, it depends. There are actual reasons why one job might cost more than the next. Most homes in Perth and Mandurah sit under fairly standard-size arrays, so you’re not looking at commercial-level pricing. But still, if you’ve got a double-storey roof, access issues, or a solar system the size of a cricket pitch, that’ll bump things up.

What it shouldn’t include is surprise costs mid-job. So always get a fixed quote upfront.

Alright, so let’s unpack it.

1. System size: More panels = more mesh = more time = more money. Simple math.
2. Roof complexity: If your roof is steep, tricky to access, or has odd panel placements, expect the price to creep up.
3. Height: Multi-storey jobs often need extra safety equipment or even scaffolding. That adds to labour.
4. Mesh quality: We have high quality mesh. The extra costs are negligible, especially in the long run, but it lasts.

So while it’s tempting to chase the cheapest quote, don’t forget: you’re protecting a system worth thousands. And the mess pigeons leave behind? That’s not cheap to clean up either.

There’s a bit of a myth that you need to wait until the birds show up before doing something about them. That’s like waiting for mould to grow before you fix a leaky tap. The best time to bird-proof your solar panels? Right from the start.

Install the mesh before the birds even realise there's a new rooftop hideaway to call home. Once they’re in, you’ve got a whole different kind of problem; nests, mess, and more hassle than you bargained for. But when the panels are first fitted? Clean slate. No nests to remove, no feathers to tiptoe around. Just clip the mesh in, job done.

That said, if your system’s already installed and running, it’s not too late. Most homes in Mandurah get retrofits done all the time; especially after a neighbour’s horror pigeon story hits the local Facebook group.

If you can, yes. Think of it like putting insurance on your car the day you buy it; not after you’ve crashed it into a wheelie bin. Adding mesh during the initial solar panel install means no pigeons have had a chance to settle in yet, so it’s faster, cleaner, and usually a bit cheaper too.

Plus, everything’s accessible. The installers are already up there, tools in hand. Adding mesh then and there is like asking for tomato on your burger before it’s wrapped up. Easier all round.

Absolutely. Most jobs in Mandurah are retrofits. Someone sees birds under their neighbour’s panels; or hears them scratching around under their own; and decides enough’s enough.

Retrofitting just means working around what’s already there. It takes a little more care, especially if birds have already moved in, but it’s still straightforward. Good installers know how to clear out nests safely, check wiring while they’re up there, and clip mesh on without disturbing the system.

So even if your panels have been up for years, it's not too late to shut the door on future squatters.

First of all: don’t panic. You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. Pigeons are persistent little things, and they know a good spot when they see one.

Step one is: don’t install the mesh while the birds are still inside. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Trapping them in just creates a whole new set of problems; suffice to say it doesn’t end well for anyone.

Call in the pros if:

• You’ve got a full-blown infestation
• There are eggs or chicks involved
• The nest is wedged in a tricky spot
• You’re not comfortable being on the roof (totally fair)
• There’s visible damage or mess that needs more than just sweeping up

A good pest control team will not only remove the birds but clean up after them properly and prep the space for mesh installation. They’ll also make sure it’s done humanely and in line with local guidelines.

Better safe than... well, guano-covered.

The short version? “Should’ve done it sooner.”

We’ve heard everything; from folks who used to sweep feathers out of their driveway daily, to people who didn’t realise how much pigeon poo had built up until their gutters overflowed during a downpour. One bloke even had a bird get stuck under the panel wiring; he only noticed when his solar output dipped, and the smell kicked in.

Now? After mesh? Silence. Clean gutters. Full output. And no more dive-bombing pigeons when they go out to hang laundry.

Loads. Just scroll through any local Mandurah community board or Google Business page. Most reviews go something like:

• “Quick install, no more birds.”
• “Wish we’d done this when we first got the solar put in.”
• “Professional, clean job. Roof looks great.”
• “Our neighbours copied us the week after.”

It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t feel flashy; but when it’s done, you wonder how you ever lived without it.

Here’s what typically changes:

• No more nesting (obviously)
• Reduced mess; no more white streaks or feathers blowing around
• Improved efficiency; panels stay cleaner longer
• No weird scratching sounds in the ceiling
• Peace of mind; because you know your investment’s protected

It’s not magic. It’s just practical. But sometimes? That’s all you really need.