23
I never expected seagulls to be the biggest hurdle in a coastal install
We had just secured the last panel on a seaside property when we noticed the gulls gathering. By dawn, they had constructed elaborate nests in the gap between the panels and the roof, using our wiring clips as nesting material. We spent hours gently relocating them while the client filmed the whole thing for social media, calling it 'solar symbiosis'. Our project timeline stretched by two days, but at least the videos went viral.
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
carter.laura9d ago
From working on similar coastal projects, bird infestations are no joke. Nests can block ventilation, leading to panel overheating and reduced efficiency. I've seen wiring chewed through, creating fire hazards. Those viral videos don't show the costly repairs or client complaints later on. Relocating nests is a temporary fix; proper deterrents from the start are essential. It's less about symbiosis and more about preventable damage.
6
parkerbrown9d ago
Consider how @carter.laura's focus on pure efficiency misses the bigger picture... sometimes those "problems" create unique community engagement you can't buy. That client's viral video probably generated more local goodwill and interest in solar than a perfectly sterile install ever could. A little adaptive patience with nature can build a better reputation than just slapping up deterrents and calling it a day.
4
mia_king8d ago
After the seagull video hit social media, I heard from three neighbors asking about solar panels. @parkerbrown's point about community engagement is spot on, because now everyone sees solar as part of local life, not just some tech thing. That kind of organic buzz is way better than just another sales pitch.
2