Benefits of Raised Solar Panels for Ecosystems
- Minimized Ground Disturbance and Habitat Continuity
Elevated or raised solar installations, such as solar canopies or platforms, reduce direct disruption to the soil and ground-level habitats. This design allows continuity of habitats for ground-dwelling species, helping preserve local wildlife and reducing ecosystem fragmentation. - Support for Native Vegetation and Pollinator Habitats
Raised panels create shaded areas underneath that can be planted with native and pollinator-friendly vegetation. This practice encourages the growth of native grasses and flowering plants, which support biodiversity, especially pollinating insects like native bees. Studies have documented substantial increases in native plant species diversity and pollinator abundance under solar arrays managed for ecosystem health. For example, one solar farm recorded a 20-fold increase in native bees and a tripling of total insect abundance after planting native vegetation beneath and around solar panels. - Improvement of Soil and Land Quality
By fostering perennial native plants beneath raised solar panels, soil erosion is reduced, fertility improves, and degraded landscapes can be restored over time. These plants help maintain and increase soil carbon, keeping carbon sequestered in the ground instead of released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate mitigation efforts. - Biodiversity Enhancement and Wildlife Conservation
Elevated solar arrays help integrate renewable energy with wildlife conservation by preserving natural habitats and reducing negative impacts like noise and air pollution typically associated with fossil fuel energy generation. Thoughtful design can also incorporate bird-friendly features, lowering risks of wildlife collisions and supporting broader ecosystem services.
In summary, raised solar panel installations can simultaneously generate clean energy and foster thriving local ecosystems by enabling habitat preservation, improving soil health, supporting pollinators, and enhancing biodiversity around and beneath the solar infrastructure. This approach exemplifies how renewable energy development can align with environmental stewardship goals.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-raised-solar-panels-for-local-ecosystems/
