{"id":10967,"date":"2020-07-01T14:46:25","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T04:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ppmmagazine.com.au\/?p=10967"},"modified":"2025-05-21T09:12:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T23:12:43","slug":"solar-demand-creates-new-business-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/pest-control-birds\/solar-demand-creates-new-business-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"SOLAR DEMAND CREATES NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>The Vexo range of products are ideal for protecting solar panels from nesting birds, of great benefit to property owners and a business opportunity for pest managers.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<div class=\"hr-thick\"><\/div>\n<p>Consistent growth in demand for solar panel bird proofing is offering pest managers new and thriving business opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Australian Government, Australia has the highest uptake of solar globally, with more than 21% of homes with rooftop solar PV. As at April 30, 2020, more than 2.4 million rooftop solar power systems have been installed across Australia.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>This demand has also seen an increased call for solar panel protection. Homeowners who\u2019ve invested several thousands of dollars into solar are unsurprisingly keen to protect their investment from the potential risk of damage from pest birds.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10970\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10970\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10970 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Birds-and-their-droppings-can-significantly-reduce-panel-efficiency-copy-low-res-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"Birds droppings on solar panels can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Birds-and-their-droppings-can-significantly-reduce-panel-efficiency-copy-low-res-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Birds-and-their-droppings-can-significantly-reduce-panel-efficiency-copy-low-res-267x200.jpeg 267w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Birds-and-their-droppings-can-significantly-reduce-panel-efficiency-copy-low-res-253x190.jpeg 253w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Birds-and-their-droppings-can-significantly-reduce-panel-efficiency-copy-low-res-140x105.jpeg 140w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Birds-and-their-droppings-can-significantly-reduce-panel-efficiency-copy-low-res.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10970\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Birds and their droppings can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Solar panels installed on pitched roofs provide a comfortable nesting zone for birds away from the elements especially in winter, with panels providing warmth and shelter to pigeons as well as rodents. When birds nest under panels, both their nesting material and movement can lead to inverter electrical wiring damage which can pose an electrical or fire hazard. Birds also tend to roost around the panels during the day, covering them with droppings which in turn reduces panel efficiency significantly.<\/p>\n<p>Although some modern systems are fitted with newer individual micro inverters, most domestic solar systems in Australia are fitted with a central inverter system. These conventional solar panels are connected in series before they are fed into a central inverter. This means if one panel is shaded or covered with bird droppings potentially reducing output by 40%, the output of the whole system is reduced by 40%, even if other panels are unaffected.<\/p>\n<p>To protect solar systems from nesting pigeons, the principle is to simply exclude all points of entry. There are various products on the market that can achieve this, including wire mesh coated with PVC that borders the perimeter of the panel. The mesh is secured using fastening rods that clip onto the L bracket of the underside frame and tightened with a fastening disc.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10971\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10971\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10971 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image2-copy-low-res-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Solar panel guard kits stop birds getting under solar panels\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image2-copy-low-res-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image2-copy-low-res-150x200.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image2-copy-low-res-143x190.jpeg 143w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image2-copy-low-res-79x105.jpeg 79w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/image2-copy-low-res.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10971\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vexo solar panel guard kits are designed to keep birds from getting under solar panels, to protect the roof and panels from damage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10972\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10972\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10972 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nylon-fasteners-have-locking-teeth-for-secure-fit-while-metal-rods-do-not.-copy-low-res-300x205.jpeg\" alt=\"Vexo fasteners for solar panel kits\" width=\"300\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nylon-fasteners-have-locking-teeth-for-secure-fit-while-metal-rods-do-not.-copy-low-res-300x205.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nylon-fasteners-have-locking-teeth-for-secure-fit-while-metal-rods-do-not.-copy-low-res-293x200.jpeg 293w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nylon-fasteners-have-locking-teeth-for-secure-fit-while-metal-rods-do-not.-copy-low-res-278x190.jpeg 278w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nylon-fasteners-have-locking-teeth-for-secure-fit-while-metal-rods-do-not.-copy-low-res-150x103.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Nylon-fasteners-have-locking-teeth-for-secure-fit-while-metal-rods-do-not.-copy-low-res.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10972\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nylon fasteners have locking teeth to ensure a secure fit unlike metal rods, which are typically smooth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10974\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10974\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10974 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/VEXO-solar-mesh-fasteners-are-simple-to-use-and-extremely-secure-and-durable.-copy-low-res-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"Installing solar panel protection against birds\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/VEXO-solar-mesh-fasteners-are-simple-to-use-and-extremely-secure-and-durable.-copy-low-res-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/VEXO-solar-mesh-fasteners-are-simple-to-use-and-extremely-secure-and-durable.-copy-low-res-285x190.jpeg 285w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/VEXO-solar-mesh-fasteners-are-simple-to-use-and-extremely-secure-and-durable.-copy-low-res-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/VEXO-solar-mesh-fasteners-are-simple-to-use-and-extremely-secure-and-durable.-copy-low-res.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10974\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vexo solar mesh fasteners are simple to use and extremely secure and durable<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But not all products offer the same guarantees when it comes to durability. Both the mesh and fasteners should be able to withstand UV exposure without damage; the product should be easy to install, and fasteners shouldn\u2019t come loose when nesting pigeons try to push against the mesh, which can occur with metal fastening rods\/discs as they do not have locking teeth.<\/p>\n<p>Vexo solar panel kits are made with stainless steel mesh coated with PVC, and according to Vexo, offer greater durability compared to other products. Its profiled fasteners are easy and secure to install and are made from UV resistant nylon.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10973\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10973\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10973 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Solar-panel-protection-is-highly-sought-after-and-a-great-opportunity-for-pest-controllers-copy-low-ress-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"Solar panel proofing to stop birds nesting\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Solar-panel-protection-is-highly-sought-after-and-a-great-opportunity-for-pest-controllers-copy-low-ress-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Solar-panel-protection-is-highly-sought-after-and-a-great-opportunity-for-pest-controllers-copy-low-ress-285x190.jpeg 285w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Solar-panel-protection-is-highly-sought-after-and-a-great-opportunity-for-pest-controllers-copy-low-ress-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Solar-panel-protection-is-highly-sought-after-and-a-great-opportunity-for-pest-controllers-copy-low-ress.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10973\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Solar panel protection is highly sought after and a great opportunity for pest managers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As we head into winter, now is the perfect time for pest managers to broaden their services into solar panel protection and take advantage of this growing demand. Vexo products are available through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agserv.com.au\/\">Agserv<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"thin\"><\/div>\n<p><sup>1<\/sup> Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, April 30, 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/households\/solar-pv-and-batteries\">Solar PV and Batteries<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Vexo range of products are ideal for protecting solar panels from nesting birds, of great benefit to property owners and a business opportunity for pest managers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":10971,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Solar Panel Protection from Birds - Professional Pest Manager","_seopress_titles_desc":"Solar panel bird proofing is of great benefit to property owners and a business opportunity for pest managers. Learn how the Vexo products protect solar panels.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_gspb_post_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[349],"tags":[],"company":[135],"pest":[165],"pesticide":[],"product-service":[207],"class_list":["post-10967","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pest-control-birds","company-other","pest-birds","product-service-other","wpbf-post"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10967","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10967"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40025,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10967\/revisions\/40025"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10967"},{"taxonomy":"company","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/company?post=10967"},{"taxonomy":"pest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pest?post=10967"},{"taxonomy":"pesticide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pesticide?post=10967"},{"taxonomy":"product-service","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product-service?post=10967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}