{
  "id": 19684072,
  "title": "Don’t let pigeons ruin your brand new solar panels — why day-one protection is essential",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/dont-let-pigeons-ruin-your-brand-new-solar-panels-why-day-one",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-12T16:55:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/home/energy-saving/getting-solar-panels-pigeon-proof-them-right-away-before-acidic-droppings-ruin-your-investment-and-its-too-late-to-evict-them"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rooftop solar panels provide a cozy abode for pigeons during the colder months. The droppings from these birds are acidic, posing a threat to the panels. The Wildlife and Countryside Act prohibits disturbing an active bird's nest, making prevention the best course of action for homeowners and renters with solar panels. A Reddit thread on SolarUK highlighted this issue, with experienced solar users emphasizing the importance of protecting panels during installation. Galvanized mesh with small enough gaps can effectively deter pigeons, but retrofitting is more costly.",
  "summary": "It's illegal to disturb an active bird's nest, so pigeon-proof your new panels immediately to avoid damage from their acidic droppings",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}