BirdBlocker BB-TopGuard – Anti-Perching System for Solar Panels

BirdBlocker BB-TopGuard is an anti-perching system for solar panels designed to make it difficult for birds to land and remain on the upper edge of PV modules. By preventing this edge from becoming a regular perch for pigeons, gulls, crows and other birds, it helps reduce the amount of bird droppings that can fall onto the surface of the panels.

BB-TopGuard is particularly suitable for flat-roof solar installations, ground-mounted solar farms and floating solar systems. It attaches directly to the solar panel frame using mounting clips, with no need to drill into or modify the module.

Each box contains 30 metres of BB-TopGuard in 1-metre strips. Mounting clips are sold separately.

The product is available in two versions: Standard and Double. Before choosing a version, it is important to understand what each one protects and how the solar panels in your installation are arranged.

BB-TopGuard Standard vs Double: what is the difference?

• BB-TopGuard Standard: features vertical pins and directly protects the upper edge of the panel on which it is installed. It is used on south-facing arrays and is also part of certain East-West configurations.
• BB-TopGuard Double: features the same vertical pins and adds 10 cm angled pins that extend into the gap between two opposing rows of solar panels. It is used for certain East-West configurations.

Important: BB-TopGuard Double does not protect the edge of the opposing panel on its own. In East-West installations, each of the two opposing upper edges requires its own BB-TopGuard strip. The gap between the two edges determines whether Standard or Double should be installed on each side.

BB-TopGuard Standard or Double? How to choose the right version

South-facing solar installations

On a south-facing flat-roof installation, the different rows of panels are tilted in the same direction.

For this type of installation, use BB-TopGuard Standard along the raised upper edge of each row you want to protect.

BB-TopGuard Standard is also the version designed for ground-mounted solar farms and floating solar installations.

East-West installations with opposing panel rows

In an East-West configuration, two rows of solar panels are tilted in opposite directions, leaving their upper edges facing each other.

To select the correct combination, measure the gap between the two opposing upper panel edges. This means the clear space between the panel edges themselves, not the distance between complete rows or mounting structures.

Standard + Standard, Double + Standard and Double + Double are not product bundles. They describe which version of BB-TopGuard should be fitted to each of the two opposing edges. Standard and Double boxes are purchased separately.

What exactly does BB-TopGuard Double protect?

BB-TopGuard Double directly protects the panel edge on which it is installed using its vertical pins. It also features 10 cm angled pins that extend into the gap between the two opposing rows.

These additional pins help protect the space between the rows, but they do not replace the protection required on the opposing panel edge. That second edge also needs its own BB-TopGuard Standard or Double, depending on the gap between the two rows.

What are you buying?

• 30 metres of the selected BB-TopGuard version: Standard or Double.
• Each individual strip is 1 metre long.
• Made from stainless steel.
• Mounting clips are not included and must be purchased separately.
• East-West installations may require boxes of both Standard and Double.

How much BB-TopGuard do I need?

The required quantity is calculated using the total linear metres of upper panel edge that need to be protected.

South-facing installation

Add together the lengths of the upper edges of all the rows where BB-TopGuard Standard will be installed.

As each box contains 30 metres, divide the total linear metres by 30 and always round up to the next full box.

East-West installation

For East-West configurations, you need to calculate both opposing edges. Then use the gap between them to determine whether each edge requires Standard or Double, and calculate the number of boxes required for each version separately.

Example: if you have two opposing edges measuring 30 metres each, with a 10 cm gap:

• first edge: 30 m of Double;
• second edge: 30 m of Standard;
• required purchase: 1 box of BB-TopGuard Double + 1 box of BB-TopGuard Standard, plus the appropriate mounting clips.

If you are unsure about the calculation, send us photos or a layout of the installation, the length of the panel rows and, for East-West systems, the gap between the opposing upper edges.

How many clips do I need to install BB-TopGuard?

Mounting clips are sold separately. As a general guide, allow approximately 8 clips per linear metre of BB-TopGuard.

Each bag contains 50 clips, enough to cover approximately 6 linear metres.

The exact quantity may vary depending on the frame design, module layout and specific installation conditions.

For floating solar installations, a higher clip density is recommended to account for wind loads and movement of the floating platform. For these projects, we recommend checking the installation before calculating the number of mounting clips required.

Which mounting clips does BB-TopGuard require?

The correct clip depends on the design and dimensions of the solar panel frame. Mounting clips are available as separate accessories, allowing you to select the version that matches your modules.

Flat Flange frames

Solar panels with a conventional frame and flat flange require the dedicated BB-TopGuard clips.

To select the correct version, check:

• W: flange depth. Available clips cover depths from 20 to 35 mm.
• H: frame height. Versions are available for frame heights of 30–35 mm and 36–41 mm.

These dimensions can usually be found in the solar panel manufacturer's technical datasheet.

Box Design frames

Some modern solar panels use a closed Box Design frame profile, particularly along the short sides of the module. In these cases, the corresponding BB-BoxClips can be used.

To select the correct clip, check the height and width of the frame profile:

• 8–13 mm or 14–18 mm: profile width.
• 30 mm or 35 mm: profile height.

This gives four common combinations:

• 30 mm high × 8–13 mm wide;
• 35 mm high × 8–13 mm wide;
• 30 mm high × 14–18 mm wide;
• 35 mm high × 14–18 mm wide.

BB-TopGuard can normally be installed without difficulty on Box Design frames with a 14–18 mm profile width. Installation is also possible on 8–13 mm profiles, although fitting may be somewhat tighter.

If you are unsure which clip you need, send us the technical datasheet for your solar panel. The frame drawing or cross-section will usually allow us to identify the correct mounting clip.

How does BB-TopGuard work?

BB-TopGuard creates a physical anti-perching barrier along the upper edge of the solar panel. The pins make it difficult for birds to find a stable place to land and remain on the module.

By reducing perching at this point, BB-TopGuard helps reduce one common source of bird droppings on solar panels.

The system requires no electricity, sound or moving parts.

BB-TopGuard Standard

Each strip is 100 cm long and features vertical pins measuring 17 cm from the mounting point.

The effective height above the surface of the panel will be slightly less than 17 cm, depending on the thickness of the module itself.

BB-TopGuard Double

It also features 17 cm vertical pins and adds 10 cm angled transverse pins.

The 10 cm measurement refers to the length of the angled pin and should not be interpreted as an exact 10 cm horizontal reach.

What problem does BB-TopGuard address?

Birds often use the highest edge of a row of solar panels as a regular perching point. From there, droppings can fall onto and spread across the surface of the PV modules.

On larger solar installations, this contamination can lead to:

• more frequent cleaning cycles;
• higher maintenance costs;
• reduced energy performance;
• an increased risk of hot spots;
• accelerated cell degradation;
• a shorter service life for the asset.

BB-TopGuard addresses the source of this problem by making it physically more difficult for birds to use the raised panel edge as a perch. It should not be considered a system that eliminates all bird droppings from a solar installation or replaces normal panel cleaning and maintenance.

Main benefits of BB-TopGuard

• Designed specifically for solar panels: protects the upper edge commonly used by birds as a perch.
• Helps reduce bird droppings on PV modules: targets one of the common sources of contamination.
• No drilling required: mounting clips attach directly to the solar panel frame.
• Standard and Double versions: suitable for south-facing and different East-West configurations.
• Modular system: supplied as 1-metre strips in 30-metre boxes.
• Made from stainless steel.
• Scalable: suitable for protecting multiple rows across large photovoltaic installations.

Where can BB-TopGuard be installed?

South-facing flat-roof systems

BB-TopGuard Standard is installed along the raised upper edge of the solar panel rows.

East-West flat-roof systems

Standard and/or Double are used according to the gap between the opposing upper panel edges.

Ground-mounted solar farms

BB-TopGuard Standard is suitable for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems and can be installed along multiple panel rows as part of a scalable bird deterrent solution.

Floating solar installations

BB-TopGuard Standard can also be used on floating solar systems. A higher clip density is recommended due to wind loads and movement of the floating platform.

BB-TopGuard vs BirdBlocker BB85, BB125 and BB200: what does each system protect?

The two systems address different bird problems around solar panels.

BB-TopGuard is designed to make it difficult for birds to perch on the upper edge of solar panels.

BirdBlocker BB85, BB125 and BB200 are designed to close the gap between the solar panels and the roof, helping prevent birds from accessing the space beneath the modules to shelter or build nests.

• Birds perching on the upper edge of the panel → BB-TopGuard.
• Birds entering or nesting underneath the panel → BirdBlocker BB85 / BB125 / BB200.

Before choosing a product, first identify exactly where the bird problem is occurring.

BB-TopGuard technical specifications

Frequently asked questions about BirdBlocker BB-TopGuard

What is BB-TopGuard?

BirdBlocker BB-TopGuard is an anti-perching system for solar panels. It is installed along the upper edge of PV modules to make it difficult for pigeons, gulls, crows and other birds to use this area as a regular perch.

What is the difference between BB-TopGuard Standard and Double?

Standard features vertical pins that directly protect the edge on which it is installed. Double also features angled pins that extend towards the gap between two opposing panel rows. Double is used only in certain East-West configurations and does not protect the opposing panel edge on its own.

Which BB-TopGuard version do I need for a south-facing installation?

For solar installations where all panel rows are tilted in the same direction, use BB-TopGuard Standard along the raised upper edge of each row you want to protect.

Which combination do I need for an East-West solar installation?

Measure the gap between the two opposing upper panel edges. Use Standard + Standard for gaps under 8 cm; Double + Standard for gaps from 8 to 15 cm; and Double + Double for gaps over 15 cm up to 25 cm. For gaps above 25 cm, we recommend assessing the installation individually.

Does BB-TopGuard Double protect both opposing panel edges?

No. Double directly protects the edge on which it is installed and extends its angled pins into the central gap. The opposing edge still requires its own BB-TopGuard Standard or Double, depending on the distance between the two edges.

How many metres are supplied in one box?

Each box contains 30 metres of BB-TopGuard, supplied in individual 1-metre strips. Standard and Double are sold as separate versions.

Are the mounting clips included?

No. Mounting clips are sold separately. As a general guide, allow approximately 8 clips per linear metre. Each bag contains 50 clips and covers approximately 6 metres.

How many bags of clips do I need for one 30-metre box?

As a general guide, 30 metres of BB-TopGuard requires approximately 240 clips. As each bag contains 50 clips, you will need approximately 5 bags for every 30 metres. The exact quantity may vary depending on the panel and installation conditions.

How do I know which mounting clip fits my solar panel?

It depends on the frame profile. For Flat Flange frames, check the flange depth and frame height. For Box Design profiles, check the frame height — typically 30 or 35 mm — and profile width — 8–13 mm or 14–18 mm. These dimensions can usually be found in the module's technical datasheet.

Do I need to drill into the solar panels?

No. BB-TopGuard attaches to the frame using mounting clips and does not require drilling into or modifying the PV module.

Does BB-TopGuard stop birds nesting underneath solar panels?

That is not its intended purpose. BB-TopGuard is primarily designed to prevent perching along the upper panel edge. If birds are entering underneath the modules to shelter or nest, use the appropriate BirdBlocker BB85, BB125 or BB200 system to close the gap beneath the solar panels.

Can BB-TopGuard be used for pigeons and gulls?

Yes. BB-TopGuard can be used as a physical anti-perching barrier where pigeons, gulls, crows or other birds use the upper edge of solar panels as a perch. It does not rely on species-specific sounds; instead, it physically makes the protected edge difficult to use as a landing and resting point.

Can BB-TopGuard be used on solar farms?

Yes. BB-TopGuard Standard is suitable for ground-mounted solar farms and can be installed along multiple rows of PV panels.

Can BB-TopGuard be used on floating solar systems?

Yes. BB-TopGuard Standard can be used on floating solar installations. A higher density of mounting clips is recommended because of wind loads and movement of the floating platform.

What information should I check before ordering?

Check the total linear metres of panel edge to be protected, the panel layout, the frame type and frame dimensions. For East-West installations, also measure the gap between the opposing upper panel edges. With this information, you can select Standard or Double, calculate the number of boxes required and choose the correct mounting clips.