Are Solar Panels Bad For Birds

Large solar fields such as those that have been built in the last several years in southern california and the desert southwest can fool birds into changing flight direction sometimes during migration to approach them because they appear to be lakes from a distance.

Are solar panels bad for birds. If they do they can basically get cooked by the high energy rays. This is even a problem for solar panel facilities which see up to 138 000 bird deaths per year in the us from collisions with equipment. Meanwhile wind turbines and solar panels are going up at a record pace and scientists are reporting a full blown crisis in the disappearance of 29 percent of north american birds. The result is heavy soiling from bird droppings virtually from day one.

With a concentraing solar plant birds can be harmed when they fly too close to the path of the reflected solar energy. Solar photovoltaic projects consist of hundreds or thousands of solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity. Birds can rest and nest without disturbance. It seems that more so than anywhere else floating solar panels attract birds and their droppings.

This is called a lake effect birds have been found dead wounded or stranded at several solar projects in the desert. Rodents like squirrels also commonly travel under the panels and chew wiring. The estimate by biologists is that the ivanpah solar plant kills about 3 500 birds per year this way. Installation is a snap thanks to specially designed clips that will not scratch or affect the integrity of the solar panels.

Though damage to the solar panels is minimal officials. Birds love the shelter provided underneath solar panels and can deposit significant droppings and nesting materials. You can buy plastic strips and attach them to the panels to help stop animals being able to squeeze underneath bright green renewables advises. Specifically designed to keep birds and critters away from solar panels this kit includes a weather resistant mesh that effectively blocks pest birds from nesting or roosting under the panels.

Birds also can land on top of the panels. Dead insects and possibly birds fall to the ground in trails of smoke that plant workers call streamers after flying too close to a giant boiler at the ivanpah solar power station near the. Solar panels and the floats between rows of panels provide just such a place.