Animal-lovers: Here’s What You Need to Know about Solar Projects and Birds

Animal-lovers: Here’s What You Need to Know about Solar Projects and Birds

Solar panels are an excellent method to reduce your reliance on natural gas while still delivering the electricity your home requires to keep you and your family alive. You’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also helping yourself by achieving energy independence cleanly and sustainably. 

But what about the animals and birds that could try to sneak through your panels? Many of us know that birds and other small animals like to build their nests in our gutters, beneath our panels, and anywhere else where they are protected from the weather. 

Here, we’ll talk about solar panels, birds, how they could influence your solar panels, and what you can do to protect their life and your solar panels. 

Can solar projects benefit birds?

Solar panels, believe it or not, are beneficial to birds. 

Oil, coal, and natural gas are used to generate two-thirds of the power in the United States. These materials burn, releasing carbon pollution into the atmosphere, which eventually creates a blanket layer, trapping heat. Pollution causes environmental problems worldwide, one of which is pushing birds to search for new homes and food sources. 

According to the Audubon Society, two-thirds of North America’s birds may face extinction if humans don’t find a solution to reduce increasing temperatures. 

Solar panels, on the other hand, don’t use either coal or natural gas to generate electricity; all they need is direct sunshine! 

Are birds attracted to solar panels?

Solar panels do attract birds for a variety of reasons. 

Birds are drawn to solar panels’ shiny surfaces, much like windows. 

Solar panels, on the other hand, appeal to them for safety reasons. Because solar panels provide warmth and protection from the elements, they are frequently used for nesting and caring for their young. 

Can solar panels kill birds?

Solar panels do not kill birds outright. 

Birds, on the other hand, are drawn to the reflecting characteristics of solar panels, which mimic flowing water when seen from above. Some birds mistake the panels for bodies of water and attempt to plunge into them, which causes them to be injured or killed. 

According to several studies, birds that try to plunge through solar panels are aquatic birds. 

Solar systems installed in residential areas that aren’t too close to vast bodies of water won’t have this problem, but it’s still possible. To avoid this, some researchers are using artificial intelligence to identify and analyze which types of birds plunge into solar panels. 

Regardless of which birds are attracted to solar panels, stories of solar panel-related bird fatalities are widely believed to be overblown.