This summary reviews publicly available information about the adverse impacts and potential benefits of ground-mounted large scale - PV solar power on wildlife in North America, and the status of our knowledge regarding how to mitigate adverse impacts and enhance beneficial impacts.
Do solar panels affect wildlife?
Solar facilities should be located in areas that have a minimal impact on wildlife and their habitats. Environmental assessments can be conducted to determine the potential impact of solar facilities on wildlife and their habitats. Another important measure is to use design features that reduce the risk of wildlife interactions with solar panels.
Do solar PV panels affect species activity?
We found statistical evidence that the activity of six of eight species/species groups (i.e. E. serotinus, Myotis spp., Nyctalus spp., P. pipistrellus, P. pygmaeus and Plecotus spp.) were negatively affected by solar PV panels (Table 2 and Figure 1).
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.
How can solar facilities protect wildlife?
There are various measures that can be implemented to minimize the impact of solar facilities on wildlife and promote coexistence. One of the most effective ways to protect wildlife is to carefully select the location of solar facilities. Solar facilities should be located in areas that have a minimal impact on wildlife and their habitats.
How can agrivoltaics improve wildlife habitat?
Non-traditional siting. Implementing non-traditional siting strategies (e.g., agrivoltaics) and selecting non-traditional sites (floating photovoltaics or contaminated lands) can help reduce the adverse impacts of utility-scale solar energy on wildlife by reducing the total amount of high-quality wildlife habitat required for solar development.
How can we promote coexistence between solar facilities and Wildlife?
By carefully selecting the location of solar facilities, using design features that reduce the risk of wildlife interactions with solar panels, regular monitoring and maintenance, and incorporating wildlife habitat features into solar facility design, we can promote coexistence between solar facilities and wildlife.