Protect your Solar Installation on Pitched Roofs
Pigeons breed under new-build photovoltaic systems a short time after installation. And once the pigeons start breeding under your PV system, they and their progeny will stay permanently.
Why you should protect your solar installation from nesting birds:
- Soiling of the solar system and the roof by nesting and bird droppings is a major nuisance and reduces electricity production considerably.
- The nests disrupt the natural underside ventilation of the solar system. This results in a lower energy yield and an increased risk of fire.
- Damage to the cables and to the modules can cause malfunctions.
- And if the noise of birds also disturbs you, BirdBlocker is the solution to keep them off your roof and under your solar installation.
- Besides, it is often far too hot under the solar panels for the birds and their eggs or young birds.
BirdBlocker is not 100% protection against birds nesting or other animals under the solar system. However, the BirdBlocker hinders and disturbs the birds and other animals very strongly when they try to get under the solar system. As a reaction, they usually look for other undisturbed nesting sites.
Installation of the BirdBlocker without screwing, drilling or gluing
We recommend installing the BirdBlocker as a preventative measure, i.e. at the same time as the PV installation. However, later installation is also easily possible. If there are nests with eggs or young birds under the PV system, the country-specific animal protection regulations and the official bird protection period (in Germany according §39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act) must be observed.
BirdBlocker fits 95% of common modules and substructures (retractable systems are unfortunately not suitable). Module frames that have an inner flat profile (at least 10 mm wide) with frame thicknesses of 1.0 – 2 mm are suitable, to which the BirdBlocker strips are simply and securely attached using the stainless steel fastening clips. However, there are some modules with box frames on the short inner side that do not have a sufficient frame plate. Special universal clips have been designed for this.
As the fastening with the stainless steel clips and the universal clips does not damage the PV module, the warranty with BirdBlocker remains intact, unlike with other bird defence products!
Installation at the inner frame (1,0-2mm thick) with the stainless steel clips
BirdBlocker BB125 wit 12.5 cm long needles. These are connected to each other for more stability.
BirdBlocker BB200 with 20cm long needles for bigger distances between module frame and roof surface.
Advantages in relation to conventional solutions:
- Two needle lengths (12.5cm and 20cm) for different distances between module and roof surface
- Needles are joined together for extra stability
- Simple, also retrofit, installation with stainless steel clips or special clamps for box frames
- Mounting without drilling, screwing or gluing, therefore the warranty of the PV modules is maintained.
- The rear ventilation of the PV modules is not restricted.
- No scratching or damage to the roof surface
- UV resistant and recyclable HDPE plastic
- TÜV tested: UV resistance, product safety, REACH
- 10 years product warranty
Practically packed in boxes of 30m BirdBlocker including
250 fastening clips and 100 cable ties.
BirdBlocker 12,5cm high (Art.No. BB125-30):
- Length of the “needles”: 12.5 cm
- Max. application height: 120 mm
- BirdBlocker strips: 60 pieces with 50cm length
- Needles are joined together for extra stability
- Material: black UV-resistant and recyclable HDPE
- BirdBlocker fixing clips: stainless steel material
- PU: Box of 30m BirdBlocker BB125,
250 stainless steel fixing clips and 100 cable ties.
BirdBlocker 20cm high (Art.No. BB200-30):
- Length of the “needles”: 20 cm
- Max. application height: 195mm
- BirdBlocker strips: 60 pieces with 50cm length
- Needles are connected twice for extra stability
- Material: black UV-resistant and recyclable HDPE
- BirdBlocker fixing clips: stainless steel material
- PU: Box of 30m BirdBlocker BB200,
250 stainless steel fixing clips and 100 cable ties.
BirdBlocker Installation-Tool
The use of the BirdBlocker tool enables easier handling when attaching the BirdBlocker strips to the inner module frame.
The BB-Tool offers a safe and exact mounting of the BirdBlocker strips with the pre-installed standard stainless steel clips on the module frame.
The BB-Tool comes with a pre-drilled hole to attach the tool to e.g. a key ring and always have it handy.
Download Info BirdBlocker Installation Tool
Universal Clamps for Box Frames
The standard BirdBlocker mounting clip fits 95% of the most common solar module frames. However, there are some modules with box frames on the short inner side that do not have a sufficient frame plate. For this reason, special Universal Clamps have been designed with the following dimensions (width x height):
8-13 x 30mm and 8-13 x 35mm
14-18 x 30mm and 14-18 x 35mm.
Application examples for installations on tiled and metal roofs:
Information for private owners of solar systems:
As a wholesaler, we only supply to companies (commercial users). The installation of the BirdBlocker should only be carried out by professionals and specialist companies with experience in installations of solar systems on roofs. During installation, the warranties of the solar system and the roof as well as the respective building regulations, animal and environmental protection regulations, accident prevention regulations, etc. must be observed.
To determine the number of BirdBlocker strips
To determine the required number of BirdBlocker strips, first measure the all-around size of the solar system (see photo below). For information: Standard modules with 60 solar cells have the following dimensions:
– long side: +/- 170cm
– short side: +/- 100cm
Note: The new modules are currently increasing in size. If you are unsure about the size of the modules, you can find out the module type on the invoice for the solar system, for example. A data sheet of this module type is generally easy to find on the Internet. It contains the dimensions with which you can easily calculate the size of the solar system.
The BirdBlockers are available in 30m packages. It is important to always order enough BirdBlockers to provide complete all-round protection for a system. We therefore recommend: Extent of the installation +10 %.
Installation Instructions:
The BirdBlocker installation instructions must be followed exactly (scan link included in every BirdBlocker box). In addition, please take note of the following general instructions for planning and installation.
Downlaod (pdf): Installation Instructions BirdBlocker BB125 – 12,5cm long needles
Download (pdf): Installation Instructions BirdBlocker BB200 – 20cm long needles
Download (pdf): General Notes for Planning and Installing BirdBlocker
Suitable module frames are those with an inner flat (min. 10mm wide) profile with frame thicknesses of 1.0 – 2mm, to which the BirdBlocker strips are easily and stably fixed with the stainless steel fastening clips.
For box frames that do not have a sufficiently wide frame plate on the short side of the modules, we offer special mounting clamps in different sizes separately (see above).
Recommended Tools:
- Metre rule or tape measure
- strong (garden) scissors
- BirdBlocker Installation-Tool.
It is important that the BirdBlocker strips are installed closed all around the solar installation and that the needles of the BirdBlocker are stands stable on the roof surface so that there is resistance. The needles at the end of the neighbouring BirdBlocker strips and other gaps between two needles must be connected and closed with the cable ties enclosed in each box.
Following the example of the installation instructions for the BirdBlocker BB125 with 12.5cm long needles:
In general, please note when planning and installing BirdBlocker:
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The respective BirdBlocker installation instructions must always be observed (included in every BirdBlocker box or please download from our homepage). We will also be happy to send them to you on request.
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The installation of the BirdBlocker should only be carried out by qualified and professional specialists with experience in installing on roofs. During installation, the warranties of the solar system and the roof as well as the respective regulations for work on roofs must be observed (e.g. the use of fall protection, scaffolding with safety gear from an eaves height of 3 m, etc.). The presence of two persons is mandatory for the entire installation process in order to ensure rapid assistance in the event of an accident.
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We recommend installing the BirdBlocker as a preventative measure, i.e. at the same time as installing the solar system. Before installing the BirdBlocker on existing systems, old nests and other soiling under the solar system should be removed.
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Do NOT install the BirdBlocker during the breeding season. If nests with eggs or young birds are present, the country-specific animal protection regulations and the official bird protection period (in Germany §39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act) must be observed.
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NOTE: The proper functioning of the BirdBlocker depends on correct installation by the installer. It is important that the BirdBlocker strips are installed closed all around the solar installation and that the needles of the BirdBlocker are stands stable on the roof surface so that there is resistance. The needles at the end of the neighbouring BirdBlocker strips and other gaps between two needles must be connected and closed with the cable ties enclosed in each box.
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The executing installer and installation company is responsible not only for the professional installation of the BirdBlocker, but also for the roof and the solar system on which it is installed. The installation instructions do not release the executing company from the obligation to clarify in advance the possible uses and applications of our products in conjunction with the other materials and products used on the individual object.
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The processing instructions, regulations and warranties of all manufacturers and trades involved must be observed. If technical details are not described separately, this does not release the executing company from checking in each individual case and clarifying a technically correct issue beforehand.
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The suitability of the BirdBlocker for the intended use in the solar installation is checked by the owner and the installation company themselves. BirdBlocker is not a 100% protection against the nesting of birds or against other animals under the solar installation. However, due to its construction, BirdBlocker strongly disturbs and hinders birds and other animals trying to get under the solar installation. BirdBlocker works best as a preventative measure to prevent bird nuisance.
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It must be ensured by the specialist company responsible for the installation prior to installation that the installation is carried out strictly in accordance with national and site-specific building regulations, occupational safety and accident prevention regulations, standards and environmental protection regulations and the respective animal protection laws. Each company and person installing the BirdBlocker is obliged to inform themselves independently about all rules and regulations for technically correct planning and installation and to comply with these during installation. This also includes obtaining the current status of rules and regulations.
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In the case of non-observance of the installation instructions and in the case of use and combination of further components which were not purchased from us, we shall not assume any liability for resulting defects and damage. The warranty is excluded in this respect.
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The information given and drawings and photos shown in our documents and on our homepage serve to clarify individual details and are merely recommended information. RoofTech GmbH and the BirdBlocker manufacturer accept no liability whatsoever as a result.
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RoofTech GmbH and the BirdBlocker manufacturer do not accept any responsibility for suitability, effect, installation and correct use.
Further information and the individual installation instructions for our products can be downloaded under “Information”. We would be pleased to send you the respective installation instructions and the requested information. We look forward to your message or call.
We assume no liability for errors on the website. Pictures and drawings may show stages of development that are not available in this form. Any content (pictures, trademarks, logos, drawings and other data) may only be used or passed on after consultation and approval by RoofTech GmbH or BirdBlocker.
The relations between us and you are exclusively subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. The UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods as of 11 April 1980 (CISG) does not apply. Our General Terms and Conditions apply, which we are happy to provide you with at any time (direct link to our RoofTech General Terms and Conditions).
No liability for printing errors. Technical changes subject to modification.
© Copyright RoofTech GmbH. 01-2023. All rights reserved.
Falk Strobel
CEO
Phone:
+49 7031 76965-21
Email:
f.strobel@rooftech.de
Peter Strobel
Consultant
Technical and Sales
Email:
p.strobel@rooftech.de
Phone:
+49 7031 76965-23
BirdBlocker BB125
Installation – Video
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