PJ Solar launches rooftop solar maintenance awareness push across the Southwest

PJ Solar Cleaning & Bird Proofing is using original rooftop photos to warn homeowners about pigeon nesting, debris and grime around solar arrays. The Southern California company says the issue can affect safety, performance and long-term upkeep across the Southwest.

Why it matters: - Rooftop solar systems can hide problems that are not visible from the ground. - PJ Solar says pigeon nesting, dry debris and pollution buildup can affect solar maintenance, system performance and safety. - The company is pushing homeowners to inspect and clean solar setups before hidden conditions become bigger repair issues.

What happened: - PJ Solar Cleaning & Bird Proofing launched a homeowner education effort focused on what can build up above and beneath rooftop solar panels. - Founder Deshawn “PJ” Phillips, known as the Traveling Bird Proofer and the King of Bird Proofing, is fronting the campaign. - The effort is based in Southern California and is aimed at homeowners across the Southwest. - PJ Solar is highlighting original rooftop photos that show nest material, residue and debris around solar systems.

The details: - Phillips says his interest in maintenance started with his own solar system after five years without cleaning led to an approximately $1,000 electric true-up bill. - That experience led Phillips to study what rooftop owners should monitor and helped shape the company he founded in 2017. - One project documented a roof covered with pigeon droppings, feathers, eggs and nesting debris beneath solar panels. - The company says crews removed more than 28 bags of debris from that job. - Phillips estimates that haul at 1,400 to 1,500 pounds, though the figure is not a certified weight. - PJ Solar says pigeons often shelter beneath arrays, and squirrels, roof rats and other animals may also enter open spaces. - Another photo shows nesting debris and bird contamination around solar wiring, connectors and equipment beneath an array. - Moisture, damaged insulation or compromised connections can contribute to electrical faults and potential fire hazards. - The photograph documents contamination, not a confirmed electrical failure or fire. - A separate rooftop image shows one cleaned section of panels next to another section still covered in residue and bird droppings. - PJ Solar provides solar panel cleaning using deionized water and does not use harsh cleaning chemicals. - Phillips encourages homeowners to evaluate rooftop conditions about every six months, depending on dust, bird activity and manufacturer instructions. - Another image shows heavy black residue on Phillips’ palm after rooftop work. - Dust, combustion particles, roadway pollution, smoke and other airborne material may contribute to grime on outdoor surfaces. - Phillips says rain does not necessarily remove persistent deposits from solar glass. - PJ Solar installs bird proofing, pigeon exclusion mesh and compatible clips designed to block access beneath arrays without unnecessary drilling into panel frames. - The company also offers Solar Barrier Protection for leaves and pine needles, plus gutter and roof valley cleaning. - PJ Solar says its installations are tailored to the roof and array. - Phillips is teaching his son Jordan, nicknamed Macdaddy, the Prince of Bird Proofing, the trade. - PJ Solar serves Southern California, including the High Desert, Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, and takes appointments in Nevada and Arizona. - Qualifying bird-proofing installations come with a five-year labor warranty subject to written terms and annual cleaning and inspection requirements.

Between the lines: - The campaign is as much about education as service sales. - The photo-heavy approach is meant to show homeowners what can be hidden under a working-looking solar installation. - By linking bird exclusion, cleaning and debris removal, PJ Solar is positioning maintenance as a broader roof-care issue, not just a panel-washing task.

What's next: - PJ Solar is likely to continue using original rooftop documentation to promote inspections and preventive maintenance. - Homeowners in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona can book appointments for bird proofing, cleaning and roof maintenance services. - The company is also extending the trade to the next generation through Phillips’ son Jordan.

The bottom line: - PJ Solar wants homeowners to treat solar systems as maintenance-dependent assets, not set-it-and-forget-it installations.