Ecological Photovoltaic Energy Storage System Project Department

Do solar photovoltaic panels promote vegetation recovery?

Liu Y, Zhang R, Huang Z, Cheng Z, López-Vicente M, Ma X, et al. Solar photovoltaic panels significantly promote vegetation recovery by modifying the soil surface microhabitats in an arid sandy ecosystem. Land Degrad Dev. 2019;30:2177–86. Lovich JE, Ennen JR. Wildlife Conservation and Solar Energy Development in the Desert Southwest.

Should PV arrays be based on ecological theory?

Designing PV arrays on the basis of ecological theory represents a similar opportunity to apply and, ultimately, test foundational ecological principles while mitigating losses of ecosystem services as part of the global renewable energy transition.

Do photovoltaic installations affect biodiversity?

However, the currently available evidence regarding the effects of photovoltaic installations on biodiversity is still scarce. More research is urgently needed on non-flying mammals and bats as well as amphibians and reptiles. Solar thermal panels and floating PV installations should also be further investigated.

Do utility-scale solar energy installations affect species diversity?

Utility-scale solar energy (USSE) facilities were most often investigated (70.1%). Observations mainly focused on the effect of the presence of PV installations (51.8%). Species abundance, community composition and species diversity were the most common outcomes assessed (23.0%, 18.4% and 16.1%, respectively).

What is photovoltaic energy infrastructure?

Nature Ecology & Evolution 7, 1746–1749 (2023) Cite this article The majority of power generated by photovoltaic energy infrastructure is derived from ground-mounted solar arrays that prioritize energy production, minimize operating costs and, at best, accommodate limited ecosystem services.

How do utility-scale solar installations affect ecosystem services?

Utility-scale solar installations can vary widely in their effect on ecosystem services 3: land grading and removal of vegetation beneath PV panels has the strongest and most obvious negative effects.