You had the pigeon mess cleaned up and mesh installed around your solar panels. What should you do now?
I’m PJ, founder of PJ Solar Cleaning & Bird Proofing. I’ve operated this business since 2017, and I want homeowners to understand the maintenance that comes after installation.
Start by putting two things on your calendar: panel cleaning and your annual bird-proofing inspection. They serve different purposes, even when we arrange them together.
For panel glass, I recommend cleaning about every six months, adjusted to the conditions at your property. We use DI water only on the glass. That cleaning schedule is my starting recommendation, not a rule that every roof has identical needs.
For bird proofing, annual cleaning and inspection are required to maintain PJ Solar’s five-year labor warranty. We install Bird-B-Gone mesh and clips, and the inspection checks for damage or openings in that barrier.
A homeowner can see clean panel glass and assume the entire job is taken care of. But looking at the glass doesn’t tell you whether the perimeter underneath is still fitted correctly. When you book service, make clear that you need the bird-proofing inspection as well as panel cleaning.
There’s another time to pay attention: after someone works on your roof or solar system.
Before the work starts, tell the contractor that your array has bird proofing. Ask whether their job will require disturbing or removing any mesh. Afterward, ask what was moved and whether it was put back. If you’re unsure about the finished condition, contact us rather than waiting for your next annual appointment.
You can also keep an eye on things from the ground. If you notice a section hanging away from the array, or see birds entering beneath the panels, take a photo or short video from a safe location. Tell us what you observed and when it started.
A bird sitting on top of a panel isn’t the same observation as a bird going underneath it. That detail helps us understand what needs checking.
Keep your installation paperwork and maintenance records together, too. Save your service dates, invoices and any inspection photos you receive. When booking, mention any roof repairs or solar work completed since our last visit.
My advice is simple: plan the follow-up when you plan the installation. Know when your next panel cleaning is due, and keep the annual cleaning and inspection on your calendar for your bird-proofing labor warranty.
For an estimate or maintenance appointment, visit PJ Solar’s bird-proofing service page or call 760-590-8516.
This Is How It’s Supposed to Look.