A home solar power system is an excellent way to reduce the use of natural gas while still providing your home with the energy it needs to sustain you and your family. Not only are you helping the planet, but you are also helping yourself by becoming energy independent in a clean and sustainable way.

But what about the critters and birds that might try to burrow into your panels? As many of us know, birds and other small animals love to nest in our gutters, under our panels, and anywhere else that protects them from the elements. But what should we do?

Here, we'll discuss how solar energy, birds, birds affect your residential solar system, and what you can do to protect their lives as well as your solar panels.

How cxmxolar solar energy benefits birds

Believe it or not, solar panels actually benefit birds.

Two-thirds of America's electricity comes from burning oil, coal and natural gas. These materials burn and release carbon pollution, which eventually creates a blanket in the atmosphere that absorbs heat. This pollution causes environmental problems worldwide, one of which is forcing birds to find new places to live and forage.

According to the Audubon Society, two-thirds of North America's birds could face extinction if we don't find a way to slow rising temperatures.

Fortunately, solar panels don't use any coal or natural gas to generate energy - they just need direct sunlight!

Will solar panels kill birds?

Solar panels do not directly kill birds.

Birds, however, are drawn to the reflective properties of solar panels, which often resemble flowing water when they fly above. Some birds mistake the panels for bodies of water, and they try to dive "in the water", eventually injuring or killing them.

Many researchers say the birds trying to dive into the solar panels are water birds.

Solar systems in residential areas not too close to large bodies of water don't experience this problem, but it's still possible. Some researchers are using artificial intelligence to track and monitor which birds sneak into solar panels to prevent that from happening.

Regardless of which birds are attracted to solar panels, the general consensus is that reports of solar panel-related bird deaths are exaggerated. Even the National Audubon Society, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to conversations about birds and their habitats, supports the use of photovoltaic solar energy.

"As with most renewable energy sources, the benefits of reducing carbon emissions for birds outweigh other concerns as long as the facility is properly constructed," the Audubon Society said.