How Much Does It Cost to Pigeon-Proof Solar Panels in Australia Today?

Pigeons love solar panels, and not because they're particularly interested in clean energy. It’s the warm, dry gap underneath the panels that draws them in.

Unfortunately, what looks like the perfect nesting spot for birds can quickly become a nightmare for homeowners. From clogged gutters to corroded cables and sky-high cleaning bills, the damage adds up fast.

If you’re relying on solar to help cut down electricity costs and live more sustainably, pigeon-proofing your panels isn’t just an optional extra, but part of the upkeep.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what pigeon-proofing involves and how much it costs in Australia right now.

Ready to Stop the Birds for Good?

If you're tired of droppings, noise, or blocked gutters - or just want to protect your solar investment and clean it before problems start - give us a ring. We use weather-tough mesh, safe no-drill methods, and clean up any mess while we’re at it.

Bird-Proofing Solar Panels Is Very Important

Solar adoption in Australia has soared over the last decade, with over 3.5 million homes now powered by rooftop solar. But more panels mean more hidden, sheltered spaces—and pigeons have noticed.

Here’s what happens when they move in:

What Pigeons Can Do to Your Solar Setup

• Block sunlight: Nests and droppings physically reduce how much light reaches the panels. Efficiency can drop by 30% or more, and that pushes your power bills higher.
• Corrode components: Pigeon droppings are acidic. They eat away at metal frames, wiring insulation, and even mounting systems. Over time, this corrosion can lead to full system failure—or at least expensive repairs.
• Bring in health hazards: Pigeons are known carriers of E. coli, Salmonella, and over 60 other disease-causing organisms. Their droppings can become airborne dust, and parasites like lice or mites might follow them in.
• Increase fire risk: Nesting material is dry and flammable, and when it’s wedged around electrical components, it can become a genuine fire hazard—especially in the hotter parts of Australia.
• Cause water damage: Nest debris can clog gutters and downpipes. If water backs up and pools on your roof, it can seep into ceilings and insulation.

Pigeon-proofing stops all that at the source. And if you’re already seeing droppings, feathers, or hearing cooing under the panels, you’re probably overdue for a fix.

The Most Common Pigeon-Proofing Options

There’s more than one way to protect your solar panels from birds, but some methods are more reliable than others.

1. Bird Mesh or Netting

The go-to option for most Aussie homes. A durable mesh, usually galvanised steel or UV-stabilised PVC, is fitted around the perimeter of your panels to block birds from nesting underneath. It allows airflow but keeps pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and even seagulls out.

• Pros: Long-lasting, discreet, effective
• Installation: Uses clips or brackets—no drilling into the panels
• Best for: Long-term, high-coverage protection

2. Bird Spikes

Spikes are installed around the edges of panels or along rooflines to stop birds from landing.

• Pros: Good for deterring perching
• Cons: Doesn’t prevent birds from nesting under panels
• Best for: Supplemental use or minor infestations

3. Acoustic and Visual Deterrents

Devices that emit high-frequency sounds or flashing lights, as well as plastic owls or hawks meant to scare birds off.

• Pros: Easy to install
• Cons: Birds usually adapt quickly
• Best for: Short-term use or as a deterrent for low-risk areas

4. Optical Gel Repellents

Small dishes of gel that reflect light and release scents birds dislike. Usually installed on the panels or roof.

• Pros: Subtle appearance
• Cons: Needs to be reapplied regularly
• Best for: Light use, not ideal in hot climates

5. Physical Barriers and Clips

Some systems use clip-on rails that seal off the gap beneath panels without using mesh. Often used in combination with mesh or spikes.

How Much Does It Cost to Pigeon-Proof Solar Panels in Australia?

Costs vary a lot depending on the size of your solar system, the height and type of your roof, and what method you choose. But here’s a ballpark:

Cost Component

Range (AUD)

Details

Total Installation Cost

$900–$3,000

Most homes fall between $900 and $1,500. Larger/more complex jobs cost more.

Bird Mesh (Material)

$35–$50 per metre

UV-resistant or galvanised; designed for Aussie weather

Bird Spikes

$15–$30 per linear foot

Works for ledges and panel edges

Acoustic Devices

$400+

Easy DIY, but not a complete solution

Labour

$500–$1,000

Usually includes setup, inspection, and removal of nests/debris

Assessment Quote

$0

Our company offers free site inspections

Annual Maintenance

$350–$500

Checking mesh integrity, cleaning buildup, minor repairs

Example (A Standard Setup)

For a single-storey home with 16–20 panels and a pitched roof, you’re likely looking at a total of $900 to $1,200 for a professional mesh installation. Larger systems or more difficult roof access (e.g., a steep two-storey setup) might push it closer to $2,000–$3,000.

What Affects the Price?

Several things can nudge your total cost higher or lower:

• Panel count – More panels mean more mesh, more labour, and more time.
• Roof access – Steep or double-storey roofs often require extra safety equipment and longer setup time.
• Material quality – Cheaper mesh might not last in full sun or harsh coastal conditions.
• Your location – Installation in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane may cost more than in regional areas due to higher labour rates.
• Additional work – If there’s a heavy build-up of droppings or existing nests, removal and disinfecting can add extra costs.

Is DIY an Option?

Yes, but it comes with caveats.

What You’ll Need

• Mesh or netting (preferably UV-resistant)
• Clips or brackets (no drilling into panels)
• Protective gear (especially if you’re dealing with droppings)
• Ladder or scaffolding (depending on height)

Cost of DIY Kits

DIY mesh kits range from $250 to $450, depending on size. Some also come with gloves and tools for installation.

Risks to Be Aware Of

• Warranty voiding – Improper fastening (e.g., drilling into frames) can void your panel warranty.
• Safety – Working at height is risky. Falls from roofs are a major hazard in residential settings.
• Effectiveness – Gaps in mesh, loose clips, or weak materials can let birds back in. And once pigeons nest, they’ll try to return.

When DIY Works

If your roof is low, flat, and easily accessible—and you’re handy with tools—you might save several hundred dollars. Just make sure the materials are weather proof and the setup leaves no gaps.

Long-Term Maintenance

Even the best mesh needs the occasional check-up. UV exposure, strong winds, and sneaky birds can weaken clips or push materials loose.

• Inspection frequency: Once a year is usually enough
• Typical issues found:
  
  1. Loose clips
  2. Debris build-up on top of mesh
  3. Corroded edges
  4. Re-entry points from persistent birds

Legal and Wildlife Considerations

In Australia, bird-proofing must comply with local wildlife regulations. Harmful chemical deterrents or lethal traps can be illegal, depending on the state. Councils generally support non-lethal options like mesh, netting, and spikes.

If pigeons are nesting, it may also be necessary to wait until chicks have fledged before removal, depending on local wildlife laws. Best to call in a licensed professional for advice in that case.

Signs It’s Time to Act

Spotting any of the following? Time to look at pigeon-proofing:

• Cooing sounds from the roof
• Feathers or nesting debris in gutters
• Frequent droppings on or around panels
• Reduced solar performance with no technical fault
• Visible damage to cables or mounting brackets

Waiting too long can mean higher repair bills—or even panel replacements.

The Long-Term Payoff

It’s easy to look at the total cost and think, “Maybe later.” But when you factor in what pigeons can cost you over time, pigeon-proofing usually pays for itself.

What You’ll Likely Avoid:

• $300–$1,000/year in cleaning costs
• Up to 50% drop in efficiency (especially on unshaded roofs)
• $1,000+ in electrical damage or corrosion repairs
• Roof water damage from blocked gutters
• Health risks—especially for children, pets, or anyone with asthma

Contact Us, and We’ll Do It For You

Don’t let pigeons wreck your panels or your peace of mind. At The Gutter Cleaning Co., we know how to bird-proof solar setups the right way, using tough mesh, non-invasive fittings, and gear that holds up in various conditions.

Contact us and call 0414 175 704 to book a free quote. We’ll sort the birds, clean the mess, and leave your panels protected for the long haul.