The Project
This domestic solar PV installation took place in Shavington — a village situated just outside Crewe in Cheshire. The project involved fitting a full array of black monocrystalline solar panels across the south-facing roof of a detached residential property.
The homeowner aimed to reduce grid electricity reliance, lower monthly energy bills, and participate in the UK Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to earn income on surplus power exported back to the grid.
The roof featured a split-section pitch layout around roof windows, requiring precise mounting alignment and structural planning to maximize panel density while maintaining proper clearance and aesthetics.
What We Installed
The installation comprised 12 premium black-frame monocrystalline solar panels mounted across the main south-facing roof sections. Black-frame panels were specifically chosen to deliver a sleek, low-profile aesthetic against the traditional red roof tiles.
Alongside the solar array, we fitted a full perimeter bird guard mesh system — a stainless steel spiked mesh clipped securely around all outer panel edges. This prevents birds (particularly pigeons and starlings) from nesting beneath the panels, eliminating cable damage, debris buildup, and thermal degradation over time.
The Installation Process
Safety scaffolding was erected to provide secure access to both roof pitches. Our engineering team installed heavy-duty roof hooks and mounting rails into the structural rafters, properly weather-sealing every roof tile penetration.
The panels were then lifted and locked onto the mounting system before running DC cabling down to the solar inverter. Finally, the bird guard mesh was installed around the full perimeter of each panel group, sitting flush without affecting panel ventilation or voiding manufacturer warranties.
The system was fully commissioned, tested, and certified to current UK electrical standards before handover — all within a single working day.
Why Bird Guard Protection Matters
Solar panels create a warm, sheltered void beneath the array that birds (especially pigeons and starlings) are naturally drawn to. Nesting beneath panels causes severe issues: gnawed DC cables, blocked tile drainage, and heavy debris buildup that reduces panel airflow and performance.
The stainless steel spiked mesh system we install is discreet, weather-resistant, and maintains full panel warranty compliance. We recommend it as standard on residential solar installations across Cheshire and North Wales.
What This Installation Included
- ✓12 black-frame monocrystalline solar panels with 25-year performance warranty
- ✓Split-section roof mounting system adapted for roof windows
- ✓Full perimeter stainless steel bird guard mesh protection system
- ✓Solar inverter installation & DC isolator protection
- ✓Full DC and AC cabling, trunking, and connections
- ✓Commissioned, tested, and certified to current UK electrical standards
- ✓Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) handover paperwork provided