Yes, solar panels can coexist with native vegetation to enhance biodiversity. Research and practices demonstrate that by incorporating native plants under and around solar arrays, several benefits are achieved:
- Enhanced Microclimate: Native vegetation helps create a cooler microclimate, which can improve the efficiency of solar panels by reducing ambient air temperatures.
- Biodiversity Support: Solar parks can serve as habitats for various species, including plants, insects, and birds. Proper management of vegetation succession allows solar sites to evolve into ecological havens, fostering a more diverse ecosystem over time.
- Conservation of Wildlife Habitats: Solar projects can be designed to preserve and even enhance wildlife habitats. Practices like maintaining wildlife corridors and preserving wetlands ensure that natural ecosystems remain intact despite the presence of solar infrastructure.
- Reduction in Environmental Impact: By transitioning lands used for farming to solar farms with native grasses, there is a potential reduction in the use of fertilizers and pesticides. This change can lead to an increase in pollinators and other beneficial organisms.
Incorporating native vegetation into solar projects not only supports biodiversity but also contributes to a more sustainable approach to renewable energy development.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-solar-panels-coexist-with-native-vegetation-to-enhance-biodiversity/
