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Italian company Italgam has developed a new technology to prevent pigeons from nesting under rooftop photovoltaic panels. The EVO 2.0 solution uses brushes that are placed between the back of the panels and the roof.
Italian company Italgam Srl has developed a new bird protection solution for rooftop photovoltaic systems.
Their EVO 2.0 solution consists of brushes between the back of the panels and the roof. The brushes are of two types with different diameters, depending on the needs.
The bristles, made of polypropylene treated with anti-UV to prevent crystallization, protect the panels, while the steel wire of the brushes is made of low-carbon stainless steel to prevent corrosion.
Maurizio Chiacchierini, CEO of Italgam, told pv magazine that the Evo 2.0 brush was inspired by a gutter cleaning brush he saw in British Columbia, Canada. He developed and patented the Evo 2.0 brush after a solar installer asked him if it could prevent pigeons from nesting under the panels.
Pigeon prevention now accounts for around 90% of Italgams output. The company says that more than 1,300 solar companies now regularly use the Evo brush on their premises.
“The Evo brush for solar panels is made with knurled bristles for better grip on surfaces and staggered bristles that allow for better flow of heat produced by the panels and greater flow of rainwater under the panels in case of rain,” explains Chiacchierini.
According to him, it is bird pests, not brooms, that reduce the systems efficiency. Pigeons often foul the panels, which can reduce energy output by up to 30%. He added that the worst damage occurs under the panels, where dry and organic debris can accumulate, leading to overheating and possible short circuits that could cause fires.
“The Evo brush, with its staggered bristles, does not restrict air exchange, but rather categorically prevents birds and foliage from entering under the systems,” said Chiacchierini. “And it is suitable for all types of roofs, including those made of corrugated sheet metal.” |
