MaPorch 6″x120FT Solar Panel Bird Proofing Mesh Kit, With 60 clips

Description

If pigeons have discovered the cozy gap under your solar array, you already know how fast droppings, twigs, and noise can turn a clean roof into a headache. The MaPorch 6″x120FT Solar Panel Bird Proofing Mesh Kit, With 60 clips gives homeowners a sturdy, good-looking way to seal that gap so birds and squirrels stay out, airflow stays in, and panel efficiency is protected. Independent guidance shows that critter guards and bird netting block nesting and debris that can reduce output and even create fire risks near wiring, which is why a purpose-built solar panel critter guard is a smart first step for protecting your investment.

Solar professionals and researchers have also documented how bird droppings are a major source of soiling-related performance loss, creating hot spots and long-term corrosion when left in place, so stopping the nesting that causes constant mess pays you back in cleaner glass and steadier production. For this MaPorch kit specifically, the 6 inch by 120 foot black PVC-coated galvanized steel mesh pairs with 60 fastener clips and basic tools in the box, which makes a neat, non-penetrating perimeter that blends with most frames and shingles.

Key Customer Benefits

• Protects your energy yield, year after year. Keeping pigeons and squirrels out means fewer droppings and less debris, which tackles soiling losses that studies link to meaningful production hits. NREL and IEA PVPS document that soiling can trim several percent off output worldwide and drive up maintenance costs, so preventive bird proofing helps your panels stay productive.
• Cuts fire risk and wiring damage at the source. Nesting materials are dry and flammable, and animals can chafe or chew insulation. Installer guidance and safety explainers note the combination raises ignition risk, especially in hot seasons. A perimeter mesh keeps nests away from cables and junctions so your array runs safely and quietly.
• Warranty-friendly installation that avoids drilling. The MaPorch kit uses non-penetrating clips that grip the panel frame, which is the industry standard approach for pigeon proofing solar panels without voiding module warranties or damaging frames.
• Built to last in real weather. PVC-coated galvanized steel stands up to sun and rain, and it is a smart choice around droppings, which contain uric acid that can corrode unprotected metals over time. A durable coating helps the guard hold its shape and resist rust on the roof.
• Keeps airflow clear under the array. Critter guards are designed to block animals while maintaining ventilation, and installers warn that unchecked nesting can obstruct airflow and push temperatures higher. Clean airflow supports stable performance and component life.
• Everything you need for a tidy DIY fit. The kit includes 6 inches by 120 feet of mesh with 60 fastener clips, plus scissors and gloves, so most homeowners can measure, cut, and clip a clean perimeter without extra trips to the store.
• Sized to stop pests, not stifle ventilation. Industry guidance favors one half inch openings for solar panel critter guard, which are small enough to block pigeons and squirrels yet open enough for air to move freely.

Product Description

What this kit is

The MaPorch 6″x120FT Solar Panel Bird Proofing Mesh Kit, With 60 clips is a full perimeter guard that closes the 2 to 5 inch gap around most roof-mounted arrays so birds and small animals cannot crawl under your panels. The mesh is galvanized steel with a UV-stable black PVC coating that blends with panel frames and is built for weather on the roof. Industry makers of solar exclusion mesh use the same formula, that is half inch openings in galvanized steel with a black PVC coat, because it blocks pests while still letting air move under the array.

The kit length is 120 feet at a 6 inch height, which is enough for many 14 to 18 panel systems, and it includes 60 non-penetrating clips plus scissors and gloves so a careful DIYer can complete a tidy install without hunting for extra parts. Retail listings for this MaPorch kit confirm the size and the in-box accessories.

How it works and why it matters

Birds nest under panels for shelter. Nests and droppings collect along the roof edge, which blocks airflow and soils the glass. Global research on photovoltaic soiling shows energy losses of roughly 3 to 5 percent on average, with higher losses in dusty or polluted regions, and NREL’s soiling map uses an index where a value of 0.95 equals a 5 percent annual loss. Stopping the nesting that drives constant soiling helps protect your yield and reduces cleaning frequency.

There is a safety angle as well. Dry twigs and leaves are combustible, and if animals expose or damage wiring under the array, a spark can ignite that debris. Pest control and solar guides warn about this risk, especially in hot, dry seasons. A physical barrier that keeps nests out lowers that risk at the source.

What makes it effective and different

Non-penetrating attachment. The included clips grip the module frame so you do not drill into panels or racks. This attachment style is standard for solar panel critter guard and is designed to avoid warranty issues associated with drilling into frames. Several manufacturers and retailers describe these as non-penetrating systems that lock the mesh to the frame securely.

Right material for the environment. Galvanized steel is rigid enough to hold shape around corners and keep squirrels from pushing in, while the PVC jacket helps resist corrosion and blends visually with the shadow line under the array. Professional bird-control suppliers specify black PVC-coated galvanized mesh with half-inch openings for long-term rooftop use around solar.

Sized for airflow and exclusion together. Half-inch openings are small enough to keep pigeons, starlings and most squirrels out, yet open enough to maintain ventilation under the array. Installers note that blocked airflow from nesting can raise temperatures and contribute to hot surfaces near wiring. Keeping the plenum clear is part of good array hygiene.

Usage Scenario

A homeowner in a warm, dry climate called me after hearing scratching at daybreak and finding feathers around the gutters. Under the south-facing array we saw a dense ring of sticks and droppings, along with a few pecked cable ties. We removed the nest, cleaned the gutters, then fitted a black PVC-coated galvanized solar panel critter guard around the perimeter using non-penetrating clips. Over the next months their monitoring app showed steadier midday output since the glass stayed cleaner. This pattern lines up with published findings on how soiling drives measurable yield loss and how keeping the area under panels clear reduces ongoing mess that would otherwise return quickly.

Product Specifications

Feature	Details
Product name	MaPorch 6 inch x 120 foot PVC coated galvanized steel solar panel bird proofing mesh screen
Total length	120 linear feet per roll
Height	6 inches
Mesh opening size	Quarter inch square openings that block birds and small rodents while allowing airflow
Base material	Welded galvanized steel wire with black PVC outer coating for weather resistance and lower visual impact
Color	Black
In-box accessories	60 non-penetrating fastener clips, cutting scissors, protective gloves
Attachment method	Clip-on to the panel frame. No drilling into modules recommended for warranty safety and ease of removal
Typical clip spacing	About every 18 inches around the array perimeter for secure fit
Coverage guidance	One roll seals up to 120 feet of array perimeter. Measure the full outer edge of your array to confirm needed footage
Intended use	Exclude pigeons and other birds from the gap beneath roof-mounted solar panels. Helps maintain airflow and deter debris buildup
Safety and handling	Wear gloves during cutting and fitting. Use clips rather than drilling into panels. Keep the under-panel space ventilated and clear of debris
Cleaning and performance context	Soiling on modules lowers energy yield. Preventing nesting reduces constant droppings and debris that drive those losses
Certifications	Not specified by the seller at time of writing

 

How to Use and Install

Before you start: safety, roof, and warranty checks

Working on a roof requires a plan. Use proper footwear with grip, a stable ladder, and fall protection whenever you are 6 feet or more above a lower level. Federal OSHA’s residential construction rule sets that six foot trigger height for conventional fall protection, so treat the edge with respect and never rush. If the roof is wet or windy, postpone the job.

Next, protect your roof and your solar warranty. The MaPorch mesh uses non-penetrating clips, which is exactly the point. Module makers and bird-control brands caution against drilling into panel frames or blocking frame drain paths. Blocking drainage holes can trap water in the frame and drilling can weaken the aluminum, void warranties, and invite corrosion. Keep this in mind as you plan the perimeter.

Plan and measure the array perimeter

Measure the full outer edge of your array and note any corners, conduit drops, snow guards, or roof features you will navigate around. Aim for a clean, continuous barrier with no entry points. A best practice in the trade is to keep all gaps at the roof, rails, and frames to about one half of an inch or less, which aligns with the common half inch wire spacing of solar critter mesh. This small detail stops birds and most rodents from probing a weak spot.

Overlap your mesh sections by at least 6 inches. Overlaps prevent daylight pinholes that pigeons and squirrels can worry open over time, and they give you room to trim for a neat finish around corners.

Pre-cut and pre-form the mesh for a clean fit

Unroll the PVC-coated galvanized steel mesh and pre-cut manageable lengths with the included scissors. For a professional look and a stronger barrier, lightly crease each length into an “L” or shallow “C” so the bottom leg rests on the shingles and the vertical leg meets the module frame. Many installers pre-bend to about 45 degrees which helps the mesh sit naturally, reduces waves, and discourages animals from prying under the bottom edge.

As you dry-fit, keep the mesh below the top of the module frame so leaves do not build up against the glass. Leave the module frame’s drain holes unobstructed. Manufacturers explicitly require that drain holes remain clear during mounting and use.

Attach with non-penetrating clips at the right spacing

Start on a straight side. Hook a clip to the module frame, then capture the mesh and tighten per the clip instructions. Place clips roughly every 18 inches around the perimeter and add extras at corners or wavy sections. This spacing is widely recommended by leading bird-control brands and gives you a taut, durable edge without over-stressing the frame.

If your racking allows, you can add an end clamp above the mesh at an occasional location to increase rigidity. Do not trap the mesh between the clamp and the glass, and do not substitute clamps for the dedicated clips unless the racking manufacturer approves it.

Corners, overlaps, and tricky spots

At outside corners, notch a small V in the bottom leg so the mesh wraps without bunching, then overlap by at least 6 inches and clip both pieces. For inside corners, trim a relief cut at the base so the vertical leg stays tight to the frame. These little carpentry moves make the finished barrier look like it came with the array.

Where conduit, rail standoffs, or snow guards meet the edge, keep the opening as tight as practical. A common installer standard is that no single gap exceeds roughly half an inch, even where hardware protrudes. If needed, use a short custom cut to bridge around the obstacle, then double up clips on either side.

Final checks and maintenance

Walk the perimeter and look for daylight. Re-clip any loose spots and confirm overlaps are snug. Confirm that you did not block frame drain holes and that the mesh sits below the frame lip so debris will not dam against the glass. These two checks protect panel longevity and keep runoff moving where it should.

Plan a quick visual once or twice a year, or after heavy storms. Remove visible nesting material at the array edge, then reseat any clips that shifted. Many installers also prefer a gentle “swept out” profile at the base on homes with aggressive squirrels, which makes it harder to force the bottom edge upward while keeping the look low-key.

What to avoid, based on field experience

Do not screw through the module frame or racking to “make it stronger.” Module manuals warn that drilling can reduce load capacity and void the warranty. Do not block module drain holes. Do not set the mesh above the top of the frame where it can collect leaves. Do not leave gaps at corners or around conduit larger than about half an inch. Getting these details right is what separates a tidy, durable install from one that critters quickly defeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will installing bird mesh void my solar panel warranty?

Short answer, not if you use non-intrusive clips and avoid drilling or gluing to the module frames. Multiple manufacturers and bird-control brands describe clip-on systems that attach to the frame without penetrating it and note that these are designed to avoid warranty conflicts. Spirit Energy and Bird-X both emphasize non-penetrating clip systems that can be removed for service.

Does a critter guard reduce airflow or make panels run hotter?

A properly installed mesh with half-inch openings is designed to keep animals out while allowing ventilation. Industry guidance recommends half-inch mesh as the sweet spot that blocks pests yet keeps air moving. That said, debris buildup is a different issue and can choke ventilation, so keep the under-array space clear. Unirac warns that nests and leaf litter can obstruct airflow and raise temperatures, which is exactly what the mesh helps prevent when it keeps critters from getting under the array.

What opening size should I choose for solar panel bird mesh?

Half inch by half inch is the widely recommended opening for solar exclusion. It is small enough to exclude pigeons and most squirrels, yet open enough for drainage and air circulation.

How many clips do I need and how far apart should they go?

Leading clip-and-mesh makers recommend placing clips about every 18 inches around the perimeter and adding extras at corners. This spacing gives a taut, durable fit without stressing the frame.

Will mesh trap leaves and look messy over time?

Any edge detail on a roof can catch leaves, and forum installers point out that poorly fitted guards can become debris catchers. Pre-bending the mesh to sit below the top of the frame and maintaining a smooth, continuous perimeter reduces snag points. Several installation guides show pre-bending the mesh to about 45 degrees and keeping the profile tidy to limit debris traps. Plan a quick visual check after big storms.

How long does PVC-coated galvanized mesh last compared with stainless steel?

Service life depends on climate and exposure. Bird-control suppliers note that PVC-coated galvanized steel and stainless steel are both used for long-term rooftop exclusion. Some specialists warn that plain galvanized can start to corrode in about five to ten years in harsh conditions, while others state that high-quality coated mesh can last as long as the array when inspected periodically. If you live in a coastal or highly corrosive environment, stainless can be a prudent upgrade.

Can squirrels chew through this type of mesh?

Rigid welded wire is chosen because it resists chewing and prying better than plastic netting or zip-tied chicken wire. Material guides for solar critter guards stress wire gauge and stiffness along with the half-inch opening size. If squirrels are aggressive in your area, step up wire gauge and ensure tight clip spacing at corners.

Do I still need to clean the panels after installing bird mesh?

Yes. Mesh prevents nesting and the constant mess that comes with it, but you will still want to manage normal soiling on the glass. NREL and IEA PVPS have documented that soiling, including bird droppings, can cut production and raise costs. Guidance suggests cleaning at least annually and avoiding cleaning during hot afternoons to prevent thermal stress on glass.

Is the mesh removable for maintenance or panel replacement?

Clip-on systems are designed to be removed and reinstalled for service. Bird-control vendors and installers specifically call out that non-penetrating clip systems can be unclipped to access wiring or replace a module, then re-clipped when finished.

What exactly comes in the MaPorch kit?

Retail listings for this exact product show a 6 inch by 120 foot roll of black PVC-coated galvanized steel mesh, plus 60 fastener clips, a pair of gloves, and cutting scissors. That means most homeowners can measure, cut, and clip without extra shopping.

Are there any module installation rules I should know before fitting mesh?

Yes. Module manuals consistently warn not to block drainage holes in the module frame and not to drill the frames. Keep the mesh below the top of the frame and clear of drain paths. Manufacturers state that frame drain holes must remain unobstructed during installation and use.

Can I DIY this or should I hire a pro?

You can DIY the perimeter if you are comfortable on a roof and follow safety rules, however roof work is hazardous. OSHA requires fall protection for residential construction at six feet or more above a lower level, and the agency stresses planning and proper equipment for roof work. If you are unsure about access or your roof is steep, it is safer to use a qualified installer.

Will pigeon proofing really help production?

Stopping nests reduces the ongoing droppings and debris that drive soiling losses. Research and industry articles confirm that bird droppings can shade cells and diminish output, and some modules can even lose operation when cells are fully shaded. Keeping birds out and glass clean supports steadier production.

Conclusion

When pigeons or squirrels set up home under a solar array, the mess does not stop at feathers and noise. It means repeat soiling on the glass, blocked airflow, and a steady hit to production. The MaPorch 6 inch by 120 foot PVC coated galvanized steel solar panel bird proofing mesh is a simple, durable way to close that gap so your roof stays quiet, your wiring stays clear, and your panels do the job you paid for. Research groups track how routine soiling trims real energy. NREL’s soiling map uses an index where 0.95 equals about a five percent annual loss, and IEA PVPS estimates global losses of roughly three to five percent, which is exactly the kind of ongoing cost that prevention helps you avoid.

A clean perimeter also supports safe operation and respects your equipment. Use clip-on attachment, keep the frame drainage paths open, and treat roof edges with proper fall protection if you are doing the work yourself. OSHA sets the construction trigger at six feet, and module manuals state clearly that drainage holes must not be blocked. Those two details, safety and drainage, are the difference between a tidy install and a risky one.