By Dave Miller · off-grid sparky · 22 years wiring solar, batteries and sheds in central QLD
“After twenty-two years in central QLD, I learned that losing 30% of my winter output to bird droppings was the most expensive lesson of my life.”
— Dave. Measure twice, buy once.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopLook, if birds are using your solar panels as a toilet, you're losing money. Every bit of bird shit on your panels = less power. And it's not just gross — it's a bloody waste. Here's how to fix it, no-nonsense.
Look, if birds are using your solar panels as a toilet, you're losing money. Every bit of bird shit on your panels = less power. And it's not just gross — it's a bloody waste. Here's how to fix it, no-nonsense.
Pointy plastic or metal spikes on the edge of your panels. Birds can't land on the edge. Simple. Inexpensive.
Pros: $20-$50 for a pack of 10 spikes. Easy to slap on. Works for roosting birds.
Cons: Looks like a bloody fence. Birds still land on the panel surface. Doesn't stop them from shitting on the glass.
Where to get it: Bunnings (stocked in garden section). "Bird Stop" spikes are $24.95 for 10. No need for fancy stuff.
UV-resistant mesh netting stretched over the entire panel array. Birds can't land or roost. This is the only solution that actually works.
Pros: Stops birds cold. Doesn't look terrible if installed right. Lasts years.
Cons: Pain in the arse to install properly. Must be tensioned tight — loose netting = birds get tangled (and you'll get a fine from RSPCA).
Where to get it: Solara Solar (online) or Solar Direct. "Bird Barrier Mesh" — $85 for 5m roll (covers 2-3 panels). Bunnings sells cheap netting but it rots in 6 months. Don't waste your money.
Owl decoys, reflective tape, fake snakes. Birds see it once, then ignore it. They're smarter than you think.
Pros: $10-$30. Easy to try.
Cons: 90% of the time, birds don't give a shit. You'll be moving the owl every week. Wasted cash.
Where to get it: Kmart or Bunnings. "Scarecrow Owl" — $14.95. But honestly? Skip it. You're better off with spikes.
Practical tip: Combine spikes (on the edge) + netting (over the top). That's the only combo that works. Spikes alone? Birds just land on the middle of the panel. Netting alone? Might need to secure it properly so it doesn't blow off in a gale.
Don't do this: Cheap netting from eBay. It'll melt in the sun or snap in a windstorm. You'll be replacing it every 3 months. Waste of money. Stick to UV-stabilised mesh.
Best supplier for off-grid Aussies: Solar Direct (solar-direct.com.au). They do custom netting for panel arrays. $120 for a full 4-panel setup (including installation advice). No BS.
Spikes are a band-aid. Visual stuff is a joke. Netting is the only thing that works. Spend $85 on proper netting. Save $300 in lost solar output over a year. Simple. Done.
Stop waiting. Birds are shitting on your hard-earned off-grid power right now. Fix it before the next storm. Your wallet will thank you.
Worth a watch: Solar Panels - Bird Protection, Deterrents & Scarers That Actually Work · Scaring Birds Ltd
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
