Articles tagged with "agrivoltaics"
What Can We Do To Save The Insects? Build Solar Arrays - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the alarming decline of insect populations, driven initially by habitat loss and pesticide use, and now increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Even protected forest areas are experiencing insect losses as warming and drying conditions disrupt ecosystems. This decline has cascading effects, notably on insect-eating birds, which have seen dramatic population drops in the US since the 1970s. The article emphasizes that climate change is a central threat to insects, altering natural rhythms and ecosystem interactions. A key positive insight presented is that solar arrays, often criticized for environmental impact, can actually serve as beneficial habitats for insects and other wildlife. The wide sunny spaces between solar panels support diverse species, attracting birds and mammals, and providing better habitats than surrounding agricultural monocultures, which are heavily treated with pesticides. Solar farms also have minimal human disturbance, further protecting these ecosystems. Additionally, solar energy offers a scalable, clean alternative to fossil fuels, helping mitigate climate change—the root cause of insect declines. To further support insect recovery, the article advocates for habitat restoration, reducing pesticide use, and creating insect-friendly environments such as wildflower meadows and native plant gardens. Examples include efforts like Britain’s King Charles III’s restoration of cultivated lands to natural habitats. The piece calls for cultural and land-use shifts to sustain pollinators, emphasizing that protecting insects requires both large-scale solutions like solar agrivoltaics and everyday actions such as sustainable gardening and pesticide reduction.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyinsect-habitatclimate-changeagrivoltaicsbiodiversitySolar Arrays Can Aid Grasslands During Drought — New Research - CleanTechnica
New research conducted at Jack’s Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado, reveals that solar panel arrays in semi-arid grasslands can reduce water stress and improve soil moisture, leading to increased plant growth—particularly during drought conditions. Over four years, researchers observed that partial shading from photovoltaic (PV) panels and water runoff from the panels helped grasses survive harsh summer months, with growth on the east side of panels increasing by up to 90% compared to open fields during dry years. Even in normal or wet years, grass productivity remained higher near the panels. This study is the first to field test how co-locating solar arrays with grasslands affects ecosystem dynamics, highlighting potential benefits for renewable energy development and ecosystem stability in drought-prone regions. The research, led by Colorado State University scientists including Matthew Sturchio and Knapp, emphasizes that although the solar array was designed primarily for energy generation, it inadvertently created a more favorable environment for grasses during dry periods. The findings suggest that modifying solar panel design—such as adjusting panel positioning to optimize shade and light exposure—could further enhance water use efficiency and plant growth. The study focuses on perennial C3 “cool season” grasses, with plans to extend research to C4 grasses common in Colorado’s plains, which thrive in warmer, sunnier conditions. This work contributes to understanding how agrivoltaics can support both renewable energy goals and grassland ecosystem health amid increasing drought and climate change challenges.
solar-energyrenewable-energyagrivoltaicsdrought-resiliencegrassland-ecosystemsphotovoltaic-panelsenvironmental-sustainabilityNew Agrivoltaic Showcases Sheep And Honeybees
energyagrivoltaicssolar-powersustainable-agriculturepollinatorsecosystemlivestockAgrivoltaics Benefit from Comparatively High Acceptance - CleanTechnica
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energyphotovoltaicssustainable-agriculturerenewable-energypublic-acceptanceAgrivoltaics Makes The Leap From Rural To Urban Farming
energyagrivoltaicssolar-powerurban-farmingcommunity-solardecarbonizationsustainability