I've developed a massive pigeon problem since having my panels installed and just spent all day removing 3 trash bags full of droppings. I've heard some people have had anti-pigeon mesh and/or spikes installed for free, although I sent an email to tesla's support and they quoted me $2,250 for pest abatement installation. Anyone have any insight?
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Pigeon problem
- Thread starter immolated
- Start date
zanary
Active Member
When I got a quote it said pest abatement was extra FWIW. I'm thinking this could be another application for the Tesla glass cleaning laser patent. Not to clean the panels, to zap the flying rats 
I just recently had Tesla panels installed and have heard pigeons lately as well. Do they actually fit under the panels, my roof is too high to get up on. Also pest abatement was never mentioned, it would have been nice to know it was an option since I've seen neighbors complain about pigeons.
zanary
Active Member
For me, it was installed on those angled framed pieces and cut according to the contours of my Spanish roof tiles. I think it's only added to quotes via request.
mspohr
Well-Known Member
We’re scheduled for install in August. We have noticed birds on neighbors roofs throughout the year in our general area. So this is an issue with the Q-Cell 315 panels?? I thought the panels had a metal skirt on them from what I remember of our conversation with TE before signing on contract, which I assumed would have prevented something like this. BTW we have flat concrete roof tiles in case that factors into to it. I can see where the curved clay tiles shape could be a problem with a closer panel fit to the roof. We were told there would be some offset and the panels wouldn’t actually sit on the roof so were expecting some air space between the roof and panels. Love feedback from homeowners with similar flat concrete roof tiles at their home. Thanks.
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The metal skirt is only installed on the front and sides... the back has no skirt. Additionally there is at least an inch or two between the roof and the skirt, so it’s possible that animals could get under it.
TBH though, I’m surprised that the heat doesn’t keep animals away. In the afternoon in direct sun the panels get up to like 150ish degrees.
charlesj
Active Member
Why would what not be able to sit on top of the mesh? The birds? The point of the mesh is to keep birds and rodents from going under the panels and nesting there.
charlesj
Active Member
Oh, under? I thought birds sitting on panels was the issue.
But you only have it on 3 sides, wouldn't these animals get in on the open side?
I believe the mesh is installed on all four sides. It’s just mounted a little differently in the back.
Thanks to reading this thread a few weeks ago we added the pest abatement to our solar to be done at time of install; just completed for an additional $1500 as well. Wouldn’t be surprised if cost is based on amount of netting needed by length plus labor. They did a nice job. The panel skirts run on 3 sides with the uppermost roof ridge side open. They covered all skirted areas and the open back.
This video by Bird B Gone (one of the products out there) shows how pest abatement is applied to solar panels.
If you do have birds roosting on roofs in your area you might find yourself in need of someone like these guys:
If you do have birds roosting on roofs in your area you might find yourself in need of someone like these guys:
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