Hello, sun-lovers! Today, I bring you some fantastic news straight from the world of solar: habitat-friendly solar installations could help to protect our insect populations and even improve pollination on nearby agricultural land. As a committed solar aficionado and expert, this is music to my ears. Let’s talk about why.
Lately, I’ve been keeping an eye on studies from both the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). They’ve been tracking insect levels at two solar sites in southern Minnesota. These aren’t just any solar sites. No, these are built on retired agricultural land and they are giving back to the ecosystem in exciting ways—notably, by tripling insect levels in less than five years. And here’s the kicker: native bees increased their numbers by an incredible 20 times!
Now, you may be wondering, why are native bees so important? First, native bees are known to be superior pollinators compared to honeybees, which are commonly thought of as the primary pollinators. An increase in these important pollinators can lead to augmented crop yield, which is vital for our food security. To make this even more impressive, these solar sites weren’t just buzzing with bees. Beetles, flies, and moths were also observed in larger quantities alongside an increase in native plant species.
As many of you would know, solar companies often face criticism about land use, especially concerning the conversion of agricultural land for solar energy production. This research from the NREL and Argonne National Laboratory suggests a promising solution: habitat-friendly solar sites. By planting native grasses and wildflowers around the solar arrays for homes and businesses, we create a win-win situation. Biodiversity is conserved, we sustain important insect populations, pollination services are improved, and solar panels for your home become a genuine benefit for the environment.
Landscape ecologist Lee Waltson, one of the leads of the study, supports this view. According to him, the findings demonstrate how solar energy sites can be feasible to safeguard insect populations and improve the neighboring agricultural sectors. However, like any good scientist, Waltson emphasizes the need for additional research. It’s essential to understand how this approach can be applied across different regions, in regard to unique local ecology and conservation goals.
In conclusion, the future of solar shines even brighter with the prospect of habitat-friendly solar sites. If you’re seeking for a solar company to install solar panels for your home, always consider how eco-friendly their practices are. We can all play our part in using solar energy to nurture the environment, not just for the energy it generates but also for the ecosystem we depend on.
Stay solar savvy, my friends, and keep daring to reach for the sun!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/24/solar-installations-can-be-haven-for-insects/
