As global photovoltaic installed capacity surges, the conflict between PV power stations and birds is becoming increasingly prominent. Bird droppings that cause shading lead to “hot spots,” reducing power generation efficiency and even posing fire risks, while birds nesting under solar panels may damage wiring. However, simply driving birds away can bring ecological and legal risks. Against this backdrop, “Solar Panel Bird Mesh”, a physical barrier technology, is drawing widespread attention globally, sparking a series of innovative practices in France, China, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

Innovative Coexistence: A Paradigm Shift from “Bird Deterrence” to “Bird Housing”

In traditional operations and maintenance, birds are often viewed as obstacles to be removed. But an innovative photovoltaic project in France upends this concept. French renewable energy producer Unite has piloted two unique “photovoltaic poultry houses” in the Loire Valley and Burgundy regions, combining solar panels with poultry farming to achieve a win-win outcome of “solar + agriculture.”

In these projects, rather than simply installing PV panels on farms, the designs were customized to account for the natural behaviors of poultry. At the breeding facility in Brinon-sur-Sauldre, the developer installed 15,000 solar panels, generating nearly 11 GWh annually. Part of the poultry house is covered by PV panel frames, while the rest is covered by traditional netting. This design not only generates electricity but also creates a comprehensive shelter to prevent wild birds (which may carry diseases) from entering, while optimizing the sun/shade ratio to improve poultry comfort.

Sidy Daffe, the project’s PV project manager, explained: “When it rains, partridges tend to huddle together for protection; now they have more usable sheltered space. As for pheasants, their feathers need rain and sunlight, so the alternation of panels and traditional netting suits them perfectly.” This approach transforms the relationship between PV panels and birds from conflict to harmonious coexistence.

China’s Choice: High-Cost Manual Cleaning to Protect “Green Energy” and “White Feathers”

In China, PV power stations also face serious challenges from bird droppings. The Zhaojiatan 100 MW fishery-solar hybrid project in Huangzhou District, Hubei Province, represents an investment of 460 million yuan and generates an estimated 130 million kWh annually. As the local ecological environment has improved, the area has attracted tens of thousands of egrets and other birds, leading to severe fouling of the panels.

Faced with this challenge, the project operator had two choices: invest around 200,000 yuan to install bird deterrents or wire mesh to keep birds out, or adopt a more costly approach using manual and drone cleaning. In the end, to provide a stable home for the birds, the company abandoned the low-cost, fast-acting deterrent solution in favor of the “labor-intensive” method, which adds hundreds of thousands of yuan in cleaning costs each year.

This choice became a well-regarded story locally, described as “the symbiosis of green energy and white feathers.” It not only resolves power generation efficiency issues but also reflects a commitment to ecological protection alongside renewable energy development, achieving a balance between economic and environmental benefits.

Residential Market: Mandatory Regulations and Installation Quality

On residential rooftop PV systems, bird mesh installation is gradually shifting from “recommended” to “mandatory.” In Renfrewshire, Scotland, local authorities recently passed a motion strongly recommending that solar panel owners use bird mesh or netting to seal the gap between the panels and the roof. Officials pointed out that pigeons can carry diseases, and once birds nest under panels, residents cannot simply remove or disturb them under wildlife protection laws—doing so could lead to legal liability.

However, the effectiveness of bird mesh depends heavily on installation quality. A professional cleaning company in California noted that many households still experience bird re‑infestation even after installing “bird protection devices,” because mesh with overly large openings, loose fixings, or unsealed corners were used. Proper installation requires appropriately sized mesh, a tight fit against the panels, and safe removal of old nesting materials before sealing.

Technological Evolution: Product Standardization and Large‑Scale Procurement

As market demand grows, bird mesh products themselves are becoming increasingly standardized and specialized. Mainstream products currently on the market typically use 304 or 302 grade stainless steel with a UV‑resistant PVC coating to ensure durability in harsh outdoor environments. Mesh openings are typically 1/2 inch, effectively blocking small birds and rodents while maintaining adequate airflow beneath the panels to ensure heat dissipation.

Installation methods are also being refined. Specialized J‑hooks and clips for securing mesh covers have emerged, typically made of stainless steel or aluminum, which can be attached directly to the panel frame without drilling into the roof or panels—thereby avoiding warranty issues.

The scale of bird protection measures is also expanding. In Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, the Yellow River Hydropower Development Co., Ltd. recently released a tender for the procurement and installation of bird deterrent wires in 2026. The project plans to install bird deterrent wires on more than 21,000 fixed brackets at the Yongyue and Yonghui PV power stations. The scheme involves using galvanized low‑carbon steel wire installed along the upper edges of the brackets to physically prevent birds from perching, with an expected construction period of 70 days. This marks a shift from small‑scale end‑user applications to standardized operations and maintenance practices at large‑scale energy bases.