Solar photovoltaic panels under the grass

Do PV panels reduce plant productivity in grasslands?

A previous study in the UK found that PV arrays in grasslands reduced plant productivity by 25% in sheltered zones under the PV panels (referred to as ‘Under zones') compared to the ambient grassland; however, soil properties did not vary between the treatments (Armstrong et al., 2016).

Where does pasture grass grow under solar panels?

A common C 3 pasture grass (smooth brome, Bromus inermis) grows underneath and between the solar panels. The model was parameterized with easily measurable plant traits and driven by a combination of measured and reanalysis-derived weather data. Conceptually, we partitioned the AV system into 4 locations 20 (Fig. 1).

Can solar panels improve land use in grasslands?

However, experimental studies are needed to confirm this promising prospect. The deployment of PV arrays results in significant changes to land use in grasslands, which may affect plant and soil processes as well as ecosystem service provision (Armstrong et al., 2014; Blaydes et al., 2021; Oudes and Stremke, 2021; Weselek et al., 2019).

Do photovoltaic systems affect nutrient status in grassland?

The relationship between grassland restoration of photovoltaic systems and water and nutrient status was understood ultimately. 3.1. Microenvironment characteristics The photovoltaic systems changed the microclimate and soil microenvironment.

Can grassland ecosystems be used for photovoltaic panels?

Grassland ecosystems account for over 20 % of the global land area, providing huge potential for the deployment of photovoltaic panels (Zhang et al., 2024a).

How do photovoltaic systems affect grassland restoration?

Photovoltaic systems relieve the pressure of resource extraction and energy generation on climate change, and their installation and module operation affect vegetation productivity and grassland restoration by changing the microenvironment and ecosystem processes.