Quick answer: you need the additional BB-BoxClip-50s clips if the short sides of your solar panels have a box-design frame or recessed profile, and the short-side section is between 8 mm and 18 mm wide. If your panel has a traditional frame that is the same on all sides, or if the short-side section is more than 18 mm wide, you can install BirdBlocker using the standard clips included with the product.
The most reliable way to check this is to look at the data sheet for your exact solar panel model. In this guide, we explain step by step what to look for, how to choose the correct BB-BoxClip-50s model and how to calculate how many clips you need.
You can view the available BB-BoxClip-50s models here: https://www.birdgard.es/en/bb-boxclip-50s.html
This accessory is used together with the BirdBlocker solar panel protection system, which is designed to prevent birds from getting underneath solar panels and nesting there.
Guide contents
- What are BB-BoxClip-50s clips?
- When do you need additional clips?
- How to check your solar panel data sheet
- How to choose the correct model
- Quick table to choose the right clip
- How many clips do you need?
- Frequently asked questions
What are BB-BoxClip-50s clips?
BB-BoxClip-50s are additional clips used to install the BirdBlocker system on solar panels with special frame designs on the short sides.
BirdBlocker is normally installed with the standard clips included with the product. However, some modern solar panels have a different frame design on the short sides. In some of these cases, the standard clips may not grip correctly, and BB-BoxClip-50s clips are required.
Important: these clips do not replace all BirdBlocker clips. They are only used on the short sides of the panel when the frame design requires them and when the profile width falls within the compatible range: 8-13 mm or 14-18 mm. On the long sides, you continue using the standard BirdBlocker clips.
If the short-side section is more than 18 mm wide, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s. In that case, the standard BirdBlocker clips are suitable.
When do you need additional clips for BirdBlocker?
You need BB-BoxClip-50s when the short side of the solar panel has a box-design frame, also known as a recessed profile, and the width of that profile is between 8 mm and 18 mm.
This type of frame is different from a traditional frame with a lower flange. On panels with a traditional frame, the standard BirdBlocker clip can usually grip correctly. On some box-design frames, however, the short-side profile is narrower or more enclosed and requires a specific clip.
However, not all panels with two sections need additional clips. If the data sheet shows an A-A section and a B-B section, but the B-B section on the short side is more than 18 mm wide, then you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s: you can use the standard BirdBlocker clips.
The practical rule
As a general rule:
- if the data sheet shows only one frame section —section A-A— and it is a traditional frame, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s;
- if the data sheet shows two different sections —section A-A and section B-B— one for the long side and one for the short side, you need to check the short-side measurement;
- if the short side is between 8 mm and 18 mm wide, you will normally need BB-BoxClip-50s on those short sides;
- if the short side is more than 18 mm wide, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s: the standard BirdBlocker clips are suitable.
How to check your solar panel data sheet
To know whether you need BB-BoxClip-50s, you must check the data sheet for your exact solar panel model.
In that data sheet, look for the technical drawing of the panel. It usually appears as a rear-view diagram of the panel, together with one or more cross-sections of the frame.
What matters is not only the external size of the panel, but the frame design and the profile measurements where the clip will be attached.
What exactly should you look for?
In the data sheet, check whether it shows:
- a single frame cross-section (A-A): this usually indicates that the frame is the same on all sides;
- two frame cross-sections (A-A) and (B-B): normally one corresponds to the long side (A-A) and the other to the short side (B-B);
- the short-side measurements: for example, 30 mm x 15 mm, 35 mm x 15 mm or a width greater than 18 mm.
A photo of the installed panel may help you get an initial idea, but it does not always allow you to identify the frame type or the correct measurement with certainty. That is why the main reference should always be the manufacturer’s data sheet for the panel.
Example 1: panel with a traditional frame
If the data sheet shows a single frame cross-section —only section A-A, as in the image below— this normally means that the frame is the same on all sides of the panel.
In this case, you can install BirdBlocker using the standard clips included with the system.
Result: in this case, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s.
Example 2: panel with a recessed profile (box-design)
Some solar panels, as shown in the image below, include two different frame cross-sections in the data sheet: one for the long side (section A-A) and one for the short side (section B-B).
In these cases, the long side has a traditional frame compatible with the standard BirdBlocker clips, while the short side has a box-design profile that may require BB-BoxClip-50s.
To decide correctly, look at the width of section B-B. If section B-B is between 8 mm and 18 mm wide, you need to choose one of the BB-BoxClip-50s models. If section B-B is more than 18 mm wide, you do not need additional clips and the standard BirdBlocker clips are suitable.
In the image above, the width of section B-B is 15 mm and the height is 35 mm. Therefore, in this case, the additional clips required are 35 mm high x 14-18 mm wide: BB-BoxClip-50s 35 mm x 14-18 mm.
Result: you will need the standard clips on the long sides. On the short sides, you only need BB-BoxClip-50s if section B-B is between 8 mm and 18 mm wide.
How to choose the correct BB-BoxClip-50s model
BB-BoxClip-50s are available in four sizes:
- 30 mm high x 8-13 mm wide
- 30 mm high x 14-18 mm wide
- 35 mm high x 8-13 mm wide
- 35 mm high x 14-18 mm wide
To choose the correct model, check two measurements on the short side of the panel:
- Frame height: usually 30 mm or 35 mm.
- Profile width: it must be within either the 8-13 mm range or the 14-18 mm range to use BB-BoxClip-50s.
If the width of the short-side profile is greater than 18 mm, as in the image below, you should not choose BB-BoxClip-50s. In that case, the standard BirdBlocker clips are compatible.
Practical example
If the data sheet shows that the short-side profile is 30 mm x 15 mm, choose the following model: BB-BoxClip-50s 30 mm x 14-18 mm.
If the data sheet shows that the short-side profile is 35 mm x 15 mm, choose the following model: BB-BoxClip-50s 35 mm x 14-18 mm.
If the data sheet shows that the short-side profile is 30 mm x 24.5 mm, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s. In that case, you can use the standard BirdBlocker clips.
You can view and select the corresponding model here: https://www.birdgard.es/en/bb-boxclip-50s.html
Quick table to know which clips you need
| What you see in the data sheet | What it means | Which clips you need |
|---|---|---|
| Case 1: Only one frame section appears and it is a traditional profile (A-A) | The frame is usually the same on all sides | Standard BirdBlocker clips |
| Case 2: Two different sections appear: long side and short side (A-A and B-B) | You need to check the width of section B-B | It depends on the short-side measurement |
| Case 2.1: Short side 30 mm high and 8-13 mm wide | 30 mm box-design profile with narrow width | BB-BoxClip-50s 30 mm x 8-13 mm |
| Case 2.2: Short side 30 mm high and 14-18 mm wide | 30 mm box-design profile with medium width | BB-BoxClip-50s 30 mm x 14-18 mm |
| Case 2.3: Short side 35 mm high and 8-13 mm wide | 35 mm box-design profile with narrow width | BB-BoxClip-50s 35 mm x 8-13 mm |
| Case 2.4: Short side 35 mm high and 14-18 mm wide | 35 mm box-design profile with medium width | BB-BoxClip-50s 35 mm x 14-18 mm |
| Case 2.5: Short side with a width greater than 18 mm, for example 24.5 mm | The profile is wide enough for the standard clips | Standard BirdBlocker clips. You do not need BB-BoxClip-50s |
Which sides of the panel need BB-BoxClip-50s?
BB-BoxClip-50s are installed only on the short sides of the solar panel, and only when the frame design requires them and the profile width is between 8 mm and 18 mm.
On the long sides, you continue using the standard clips included with BirdBlocker.
If the short side is more than 18 mm wide, you also use the standard BirdBlocker clips, so you do not need to add BB-BoxClip-50s.
Therefore, you should not calculate additional clips for the full perimeter of the panels. You should calculate them only for the linear metres of the short sides where BB-BoxClip-50s are actually needed.
How many BB-BoxClip-50s clips do you need?
As a reference, you need approximately 8 clips per linear metre of short side where you are going to install BB-BoxClip-50s.
This calculation should not be made using the full perimeter of the solar panels, but only the linear metres of the short sides that actually require BB-BoxClip-50s.
Remember: if the short side of the panel is more than 18 mm wide, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s on that side. In that case, the standard BirdBlocker clips are suitable.
Each bag of BB-BoxClip-50s contains: 50 clips.
Therefore, one bag covers approximately: 6 linear metres.
Quick formula
Linear metres of short sides requiring BB-BoxClip-50s x 8 = approximate number of clips needed
Calculation examples
| Linear metres of short sides requiring BB-BoxClip-50s | Calculation | Clips needed | Recommended bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 metres | 6 x 8 | 48 clips | 1 bag |
| 12 metres | 12 x 8 | 96 clips | 2 bags |
| 18 metres | 18 x 8 | 144 clips | 3 bags |
| 24 metres | 24 x 8 | 192 clips | 4 bags |
These calculations are approximate. The exact number may vary slightly depending on the spacing between clips and the specific installation conditions.
Frequently asked questions about BB-BoxClip-50s and BirdBlocker
Do all solar panels need BB-BoxClip-50s?
No. You only need BB-BoxClip-50s if the short sides of your panel have a box-design frame or recessed profile and the width of that section is between 8 mm and 18 mm. If the panel has a traditional frame or if the short side is more than 18 mm wide, the standard BirdBlocker clips are normally suitable.
Where can I check if my panel needs BB-BoxClip-50s?
You need to check the data sheet for your exact solar panel model. Look for the technical drawing of the frame and check whether it shows a single A-A section or two different sections, A-A and B-B.
What does it mean if the data sheet only shows an A-A section?
If the data sheet shows a single A-A section, it normally means that the frame is the same on all sides of the panel. In that case, you can usually install BirdBlocker with the standard clips included with the product.
What does it mean if the data sheet shows A-A and B-B sections?
When the data sheet shows two sections, A-A and B-B, one usually corresponds to the long side and the other to the short side of the panel. You then need to check the width of section B-B to know whether you need BB-BoxClip-50s or whether the standard clips are suitable.
When do I need BB-BoxClip-50s for section B-B?
You need BB-BoxClip-50s if section B-B on the short side is between 8 mm and 18 mm wide. The available models cover the 8-13 mm and 14-18 mm ranges, with heights of 30 mm or 35 mm.
What if section B-B is more than 18 mm wide?
If section B-B on the short side is more than 18 mm wide, for example 24.5 mm, you do not need BB-BoxClip-50s. In that case, you can use the standard BirdBlocker clips.
Are BB-BoxClip-50s installed around the entire panel perimeter?
No. BB-BoxClip-50s are installed only on the short sides of the solar panel when the frame design requires them and the profile width is between 8 mm and 18 mm. On the long sides, the standard BirdBlocker clips are used.
How many BB-BoxClip-50s clips do I need?
As a reference, you need approximately 8 clips per linear metre of short side where BB-BoxClip-50s will be installed. Each bag contains 50 clips, which covers approximately 6 linear metres.
Which model should I choose if the short side is 30 mm x 15 mm?
If the short side of the panel is 30 mm high and 15 mm wide, you should choose the BB-BoxClip-50s 30 mm x 14-18 mm model.
Which model should I choose if the short side is 35 mm x 15 mm?
If the short side of the panel is 35 mm high and 15 mm wide, you should choose the BB-BoxClip-50s 35 mm x 14-18 mm model.
Can I know if I need BB-BoxClip-50s from a photo of the panel?
A photo can help you get an initial idea, but it does not always allow you to identify the frame type or the correct measurement with certainty. The most reliable reference is the manufacturer’s data sheet for the solar panel.
You can also read our general guide on bird control in solar panels and photovoltaic installations to better understand how to protect a solar installation from pigeons and other birds.
