Elevated or dual-use solar installations can benefit bird conservation in several ways:
- Habitat Creation and Enhancement: Elevated solar installations can create new habitats for birds by providing structures for nesting, roosting, and foraging. For example, birds have been observed using the underside of solar panels for these activities, which suggests that well-designed solar installations can enhance local biodiversity.
- Minimal Ground Disruption: Unlike traditional ground-mounted solar farms, elevated installations minimize ground disruption, preserving natural vegetation and habitats. This approach can reduce the impact of solar energy production on bird habitats and ecosystems.
- Dual-Use Potential: Dual-use solar installations, where solar panels are integrated into existing agricultural landscapes or other land uses, can support biodiversity by maintaining diverse ecosystems. For instance, solar farms with mixed habitats, such as hedgerows and native vegetation, have been shown to attract more bird species and support threatened populations like Corn Buntings and Yellowhammers.
- Strategic Siting: Properly sited elevated solar installations can avoid bird migration routes and sensitive habitats, reducing the risk of collisions and habitat disruption. This strategic approach can help mitigate the negative impacts commonly associated with solar energy production.
Overall, by combining solar energy production with habitat creation and management, elevated and dual-use installations offer opportunities to balance renewable energy needs with bird conservation efforts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-elevated-or-dual-use-solar-installations-benefit-bird-conservation/
