# Solar Panel Bird Proofing Derby | Pigeon Mesh, No Drilling > Solar panel bird proofing in Derby: mesh clipped around the array to keep pigeons out, fitted once any nest is empty, with no drilling into your roof tiles. URL: https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-bird-proofing/ 1. [Home](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/) 2. [Solar Panel Maintenance](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-maintenance/) 3. Solar Panel Bird Proofing # Solar Panel Bird Proofing in Derby [Eco Solar Panels UK](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/) fits pigeon mesh around solar panels across Derby. The mesh clips to the panel frames, with no drilling into your tiles, and it goes on once any nest under the panels is no longer in use, as the law requires. Call about pigeons 01332 919162 (+441332919162) [Get a free quote](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/contact/) Lines open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm. ![Installer clipping bird mesh to the edge of a solar array on a Derby semi](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/images/installer-clipping-mesh-to-panel-edge-on-semi-derby.webp) - Mesh clipped to panel frames - No drilling into tiles - Nest material cleared once empty - Wiring checked for damage - Cleaning in the same visit if needed Last updated: 30 September 2026 ## Why pigeons choose solar panels The gap between a solar array and the roof is sheltered from wind and rain, warm in the sun and hard for predators to reach. Feral pigeons find it quickly. Once one pair nests, others often follow, and the nest material, droppings and noise build up. Droppings can block gutters and downpipes, and birds can damage the cables and connectors under the panels. ## What the law allows All wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected in England. It is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy a nest while it is in use or being built ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences)). In practice that means a nest with eggs or chicks has to be left until it is empty. Feral pigeons can nest at most times of year, so we check before we start, and if a nest is active we come back once it isn’t. [Pigeons under solar panels](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/guide/pigeons-under-solar-panels/) explains the timing in more detail. ## How the mesh is fitted Once the space is clear, we remove the old nest material and droppings from under the array, then cut galvanised or coated mesh to fit around the edges of the panels. It is held with clips that fix to the panel frames, so there is no drilling into the tiles or the panels. Corners and the gaps between panels are closed off so birds can’t find another way in. ## Checking the wiring Birds nesting under an array can damage cables and connectors. We look at what we can reach while the space is open. If there is damage, you get a separate written price for the repair. [Solar panel repair](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-repair/) covers what that involves. ## What's included - A check for nests and whether any are in use - Removal of old nest material and droppings from under the array once clear - A look at cables and connectors for damage from birds - Mesh cut to fit and clipped around the edges of the array - Gaps at corners and between panels closed - A clean of the panel surfaces if droppings have built up - Photos of the finished mesh - A written price before the visit ## How the options compare Solar Panel Bird Proofing: options compared Compare Leave them Spikes or a DIY fix Fitted mesh Stops birds getting under No Often not Yes Nest material cleared No Rarely Yes, once nests are empty Damage to the roof Droppings and blocked gutters Varies None, clipped to the panel frames Wiring checked No No Yes ## Related resources - [Learn Pigeons are nesting under my solar panels. What can I do?](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/guide/pigeons-under-solar-panels/) - [Decision Guide Removing solar panels for a new roof: what does it cost?](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/guide/solar-panels-roof-replacement/) - [Decision Guide Is this a good solar quote?](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/guide/check-a-solar-quote/) - [Learn My solar inverter has stopped working. What now?](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/guide/solar-inverter-not-working/) System stopped generating? 1. 1Look at the inverter screen or lights and write down any error code or message. 2. 2Stay off the roof and leave the DC cables alone. Burning smell or smoke: keep clear and call 999. 3. 3Call us with the code and roughly how old the system is, 9am to 7pm, 7 days. 01332 919162 (+441332919162) Rules this work has to meet - Wild bird law followed: no active nests disturbed - Panel warranty respected: clips, not drilling into frames - Safe access, planned for the roof and height Step by step ## How a bird proofing job works 1. ### Send a photo A photo of the panels and gaps underneath helps us see the size of the job. 2. ### Nest check We check whether any nest is in use. If it is, the job waits until it is empty. 3. ### Clear and mesh Old nest material and droppings are cleared and the mesh is clipped around the array. 4. ### Check the wiring Cables and connectors are checked for damage, and any fault is reported with a separate price. The work ## How the work looks Illustrative photos of the methods and finish described on this page. They are not records of particular customers' jobs. - ![Old empty nest material being cleared from under solar panels, Derby](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/images/nest-twigs-cleared-into-bag-derby.webp) Old empty nest material being cleared from under solar panels - ![Solar panels on the rear roof of a semi, seen from the back garden, Derby](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/images/mesh-around-array-from-garden-derby.webp) Solar panels on the rear roof of a semi, seen from the back garden ![Gap under solar panels used by pigeons, Derby](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/images/gap-under-panels-before-bird-mesh-derby.webp) **Before:** Gap under solar panels used by pigeons ![Gap under solar panels closed with bird mesh, Derby](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/images/mesh-closing-gap-under-panels-derby.webp) **After:** Gap under solar panels closed with bird mesh Pigeons nesting under your panels? Send a photo and your postcode and we will tell you what can be done and when. Lines open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm. 01332 919162 (+441332919162) [Get a free quote](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/contact/) Where we work ## Where we work in Derby and the East Midlands Based on 219 Burton Rd, Derby DE23, we work across Derby and the East Midlands. These towns have their own local pages: - [Solar panels in Belper](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-belper/) - [Solar panels in Matlock](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-matlock/) - [Solar panels in Burton upon Trent](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-burton-upon-trent/) - [Solar panels in Long Eaton](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-long-eaton/) - [All areas we cover](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/areas-we-cover/) Questions ## Solar Panel Bird Proofing: common questions ### Can pigeons be removed from under my panels at any time? No. All wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected, and it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy a nest while it is being used or built. If a nest is active, the mesh goes on once it is empty. [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences) sets out the rules. ### Will bird mesh damage my solar panels? It shouldn't. The mesh is held with clips that fix to the edge of the panel frames, so nothing is drilled into the panels or the roof tiles. ### Why are pigeons a problem under solar panels? The gap under the panels is sheltered and warm, so pigeons nest there. The nest material and droppings can block gutters, make noise and mess, and birds can damage cables and connectors under the array. ### Can you clean the panels at the same time? Yes. If droppings have built up on the panel surfaces we can clean them in the same visit, which saves a second trip. [Solar panel cleaning](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-cleaning/) explains how. ### Do you cover my area? We are based at 219 Burton Rd, Derby DE23, and cover Derby, including [Belper](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-belper/), [Matlock](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-matlock/), [Burton upon Trent](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-burton-upon-trent/) and [Long Eaton](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panels-long-eaton/), plus Swadlincote, Chesterfield, Ilkeston, Ashbourne, Ripley, Heanor, Alfreton and Duffield. Lines are open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm. Call 01332 919162 (+441332919162) with your postcode and we will confirm. [All areas we cover](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/areas-we-cover/). ### Can I call outside opening hours? Lines are open every day from 9am to 7pm. If a panel, cable or inverter is smoking, sparking or smells of burning, stay clear of it and ring 999. A system that has simply stopped or is making less than usual is not an emergency, and a call the next morning is fine. Related ## Related services - ### [Solar Panel Cleaning](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-cleaning/) Pure-water cleaning from the ground or the roof edge for panels that rain can't clear: shallow pitches, bird droppings, moss and roadside grime. View service - ### [Solar Panel Repair](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-repair/) Fault finding on systems fitted by anyone: dead or tripping inverters, isolators, cabling and damaged panels, plus taking panels off and refitting them for roof work. View service - ### [Solar Panel Maintenance](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/solar-panel-maintenance/) A health check that compares what your system makes with what it should make for a Derby roof, then tests the inverter, isolators, wiring and fixings. View service Keep pigeons out from under your panels. Call for a free quote, or send your postcode and we will ring you back. Lines open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm. 01332 919162 (+441332919162) [Get a free quote](https://ecosolarpanelsderby.co.uk/contact/)