Pigeon proofing (critter guard) for a solar system in Las Vegas?

The question is constantly asked, and the answer is yes. Southern Nevada has a large pigeon population, and solar panels are ideal for them to nest under. Not only are they noisy (some people cannot tolerate the cooing), but their waste accumulates, damaging the building material and causing more problems over time.

The types of pigeon proofing:

Wire Mesh

Typically, it lasts between 5-10 years

Costs between $500 – $2,000 and sometimes more

It can consist of steel wire, galvanized, or a plastic coating

Bird Spikes

Installed on the edges of solar panels or the roof

Costs are low, but the installation will need to be done by a professional

Ultrasound Bird Repellents

Emit a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant to birds but inaudible to humans

Success may vary depending on the species of bird

Solid flashing

Aluminum roofing is fitted between your panels and the tiles

It lasts as long as the solar system is on your roof

It can cost between $2,000 – $3,000, but may be part of your solar system pricing

Most homeowners prefer the look of this type of proofing

Robco Electric includes solid flashing pigeon proofing on all their solar systems and includes it in the pricing. This method looks the best and is the most effective pigeon-proofing available. While adding this type of proofing during installation takes more time and costs more than the other options at first, Robco Electric feels that the return on your solar panel investment is best paired with this option. There will not be a need to re-do your pigeon proofing throughout the life of your solar system with roof flashing, whereas with wire meshing, it is likely that you’ll replace it a few times over the same time. That cost should be factored into any homeowner’s decision-making process when installing solar panels, since post-installation maintenance costs can spiral out of control. We’ve had many non-customers call us and ask us to clean up pigeon waste and install our roof flashing pigeon proofing because their solar installer didn’t. These costs can also include additional roof work due to the damage caused by the pigeons’ waste.