How to Stop Birds Nesting Under Solar Panels – Illawarra Case Study
The #1 Problem for Wollongong Homes (and How to Fix It Permanently)
If you’ve noticed birds landing on your roof or poking around your solar panels, you’re not alone. Right across Wollongong, the Illawarra, and South Coast, birds nesting under solar panels has become one of the most common roofing problems for homeowners.
Myna birds, pigeons, and starlings love the warm, sheltered space underneath solar panels. It’s protected from predators, wind, rain — and once they get comfortable, they don’t leave on their own.
The good news? There’s a permanent fix that stops birds from ever accessing your solar panels again.
This guide explains how birds get under panels, the damage they cause, the best long-term solution, and includes a real Illawarra installation case study.
Why Birds Nest Under Solar Panels
Solar panels create the perfect nesting environment for pest birds:
Warm (heat from the panels)
Dry
Sheltered from predators
Easy access from the gutter line
Hidden from homeowners
Once birds settle in, they quickly build large nests beneath the panels — and this is when problems begin.
The Damage Birds Cause Under Solar Panels
Most homeowners don’t realise the extent of damage until it’s too late.
1. Reduced Solar Efficiency
Nesting materials block airflow around the panels, causing heat buildup and lowering efficiency.
2. Damaged Wiring
Birds peck and scratch at cables, leading to:
System faults
Reduced output
Fire hazards
3. Water Leaks & Roof Damage
Nesting materials trap moisture, accelerating:
Rust
Tile damage
Corrosion of metal roofs
4. Noise, Smell & Infestations
Birds bring mites, lice, insects, and bacteria into the roof cavity.
5. Constant Maintenance
Without protection, homeowners often need to:
Clean the roof
Remove nests
Deal with repeated infestations
every year.
Why You Should Never Ignore the First Signs
Early signs include:
Birds landing on your panels
Scratching or chirping sounds
Droppings on the roof or solar system
Nesting material appearing at gutters
Birds entering from the sides of the solar panels
Once they start nesting, they return every breeding season unless the panels are blocked off properly.
The Permanent Fix: Solar Panel Bird Mesh
The most effective and long-lasting solution is solar panel bird mesh.
This is a high-quality aluminium or stainless-steel mesh that is attached around the perimeter of your solar panels to completely block access underneath.
What makes solar mesh so effective?
Blocks all bird entry points
Allows airflow so panels stay cool
UV-resistant
Rust-proof
Doesn’t void panel warranties
Long-lasting protection (up to 20 years)
No drilling is required. A special clip system attaches the mesh without damaging the panels.
Case Study: Solar Panel Bird Proofing in the Illawarra
Recently, we completed a bird-proofing job in North Wollongong for a family dealing with a severe myna bird infestation.
The Problem
Birds nesting under every panel
Droppings covering the tiles
Noise early in the morning
Damaged wiring to two panels
Leaves and sticks collecting under the system
The homeowners had spent money on pest control, but the birds kept returning.
Our Solution
We provided a full solar protection install, including:
✔ Removal of all nests
✔ High-pressure clean under the panels
✔ Install of aluminium solar mesh around the full system
✔ Sealing of roof gaps where birds were entering the cavity
✔ Edge refastening to ensure no points of weakness
The Outcome
Birds completely blocked out
No return activity since the install
Solar system performance improved
Roof stayed cleaner
Homeowner peace of mind restored
They no longer have to worry about ongoing noise, mess, or wiring damage.
Why Wollongong & Illawarra Homes Get This Problem So Often
The Illawarra region has a high population of pest birds, especially:
Indian mynas
Pigeons
Starlings
Noisy miners
Combined with:
Coastal winds
Tall gum trees
Warm climate
Homes with easily accessible gutter lines
…this makes the region one of NSW’s busiest for solar panel bird proofing.
Signs You Need Solar Panel Bird Mesh
You should act quickly if you see:
Birds regularly on your roof
Droppings under or around panels
Nesting material in gutters
Birds walking under the edges of panels
A sudden drop in solar performance
Once you see activity, birds won’t leave until they are physically blocked out.
Protect Your Solar Panels With Professional Bird Proofing
AC Gutter Guard installs premium solar panel bird mesh across:
Wollongong
Illawarra
Southern Highlands
Shoalhaven
South Coast
And many more
We use long-lasting aluminium mesh with up to 20 years warranty and guaranteed results.
📞 Call us for a free quote: 0423 611 350
Or request a quote online at acgutterguard.com.au