Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a Pigeon Proofing Kit?

The Solar Pigeon Proofing kit includes 30m of our PVC-coated stainless-steel wire mesh or 30m of our HDPE plastic mesh along with our easy to install fasteners that are designed to work with most brands of solar panels. Each “Pro” kit comes with 100 fasteners. (our economy “DIY” kit comes with 60 fasteners)

How long does it take to install a Solar Pigeon Proofing mesh around my solar panels?

The amount of time required to install pigeon proofing around the perimeter of your solar panels will depend on the size of your solar array as well as the layout of your panels. A simple array of 20 panels laid out in a rectangle can take just a couple of hours while a more complex layout with a non-rectangular configuration could take 4-5 hours. While it is possible to install the guard on your own, it is much easier if you have 2 people installing the guard together. Please view our Instagram for installation examples that could help you prepare for your install.

How much would it cost if I decide to hire a professional installer?

Professional installers usually charge between $18 – $30 per meter (depending on difficulty of the installation). With an easy to install “Pro” kit, you can do this for $7.50 or less per meter. If you need 90 meters installed, the savings could be over well over $800.

*If you choose to use a professional installer make sure they are a proper registered business with proper insurances. If you let a handy man go up on your roof and he falls, you will be liable and he can sue you for injury and damages!

How much mesh is needed for my solar system?

Physical dimensions, rather than system output, is the best way to measure your needs. The geometric shape of the system layout, and if the array is split into multiple sets of panels, are the true determinants. This, of course, varies greatly from installation to installation. Therefore, we recommended that you calculate a precise number before ordering.
To get this figure, simply calculate the perimeter area around your system.
As a rule of thumb, most solar panels are approximately 900mm wide X 1600mm long. If you have an array that is 10 panels across and 2 panels high (with no gap between the rows) you would need approximately 1600 x 2 for one side and 900 x 10 for the top side. So to cover all 4 sides you would need 1600 x 2 x 2 = 6.4M(to cover both sides) and 900 x 10 x 2 = 18M. There you will need a minimum of 24.4M. Be sure to add extra material to cut 45 degree angles on the corners so required is a further 600mm for each outside corner. 4 x 600mm
Total required for this 20 panel system would be….
Sides=6.4M
Top and bottom=18M
Outside corners=2.4
Total=26.8M (one kit)
We realize that all arrays may not be this simple and there may be multiple arrays on a roof. If you can map out the arrays, you can easily calculate your requirements for the screen. Our mesh may be purchased as part of a kit with a 30 roll with 100 clips or you may purchase it separately. We also sell 10M expansion kits if one kit will be just a bit too short!

Why do pigeons like solar panels?

Pigeons are urbanized birds and prefer to make their homes on or around man-made structures. They also seem to like the shade and, more importantly, it protects them from exposure to predators. In areas with little other protection, solar modules make a great home while the rooftop ridges are perfect perches. Our pigeon proofing mesh is the perfect solution to prevent pigeons nesting under your solar system.

How long will your pigeon proofing mesh last?

We have been installing our pigeon proofing mesh (stainless steel and plastic for over 6+ years. We have not seen any problems with the mesh or our fasteners in over 7 years. We provide a 6 warranty on our pigeon proofing mesh as long as it is installed as per the installation guidelines and the warranty is registered correctly with installation photos.

How long does the product take to ship?

All orders are shipped next business day of receiving the order. All orders are shipped by courier or Australia Post. Depending on your location, the product will usually arrive in 3-5 days or the orders on the west coast may take 6-10 days to arrive.

Is there a difference between the pigeon proofing and possum proofing systems you sell?

Our system is designed specifically for dealing with pigeons that make homes under your solar panels. Possums are a different problem altogether as they are very strong and can lift the mesh away from the panels if they choose. That being said, if a possum has not already made your solar system their home, the mesh may be enough of a deterrent to have them not bother trying to get under the solar panels. Our mesh kits are also used by professional installers as well as DIY individuals throughout the country. We feel confident that this is the absolute best solution for pigeon around your solar array.

Do I need to install pigeon proofing if I do not have pigeons underneath my solar panels?

We recommend installing a Solar Pigeon Proofing kit even if you have not been visited by pigeons. You could go months or even a few years before your system may become home to pigeons. Once pigeons have decided to make residence below your solar panels, it could be just days if not weeks before they have a fully built nest with eggs. The mess pigeons make under and on your solar panels reduces the efficiency greatly not to mention pigeons are noisy, smelly and carry many mites, lice and diseases. If you have a solar system on your home, you need to pigeon proof to protect it from intruders who want to make it their home too!

Will it really keep pigeons out?

Yes, a properly installed system will definitely keep out pigeons, birds, rodents, leaves and twigs. Prior to installation, we strongly recommend checking under your solar panels for any birds, animals, nests, babies and eggs. You should definitely remove these prior to installation as these birds and animals with die if left trapped below the panels. Our system does keep them out from beneath the modules as intended. Once evicted and finding that the system has been sealed, the pigeons will move on and look for another home.(under your neighbours panels)

How many fasteners will I need?

Ordering one complete kit with fasteners will almost always suffice. On average at least 90 fasteners are needed per 30M to install the mesh to our professional standards but no two systems are the same. Our kit includes 30M of mesh with 100 fasteners in “Pro” kits. You may also choose to purchase additional mesh or fasteners separately. Long straight runs require fewer fasteners, while corners require more. Our recommendation as per the warranty agreement is one fastener every 2 solar cells or always 3 fasteners on a short side of a panel and 6 on a long side

Do the fasteners work with any module?

The fasteners works with almost all solar panels that have a frame around them which is probably over 98% of all residential solar panels. What is needed is a frame with a lip around the bottom edge, where it rests on the rails. Very few solar panels do not have any lip at the bottom. Solar panels that do not have a lip may still have mounting holes which may be used to attach the fasteners

Why do you only sell black mesh?

After testing screens in different colours, we settled on black. This is what our customers liked (we like the black mesh and fasteners too). The black mesh will blend perfectly with panels that have a black frame. On frames that are silver (aluminium) the black screen looks great too as it blends into the shadow line of the panels. We want your systems to look great and a product such as this looks great on all colour roofs. Look at many installations on our Instagram page. The PVC coating on the stainless-steel mesh provides an additional layer of protection against corrosion and will provide additional years of protection especially in seaside locations that have a higher probability of corrosion by the salt in the air. Our HDPE Plastic mesh is also UV protected to last a long time in our Australian conditions.