Greetings, solar enthusiasts! As an individual who is passionate about the solar industry, it’s my pleasure to delve into some emerging research that shows how mindful land management in the development of solar power can significantly enhance the productivity of nearby land. This information is particularly beneficial for those looking to work with solar companies or perhaps even considering solar panels for your home.
It’s an exciting time in the solar world, especially as we learn more about how the installation of solar arrays can support the landscapes, often farmlands, where they are constructed. It’s no longer just about finding a space to deposit a solar array. Now, civil engineers and land management professionals are discovering how to design these facilities, so they not only coexist but also complement the existing terrain.
For instance, did you know that if the U.S. replaced corn-based energy with solar agrivoltaic systems, we could meet our entire electricity demand? Remarkably, solar panels generate about 200 times more energy per acre than corn. When considering solar for your home or business, this can mean massive energy savings!
Moreover, evidence suggests that the introduction of local grasses and flowers into solar power facilities (between the rows of solar modules or spaces between massive solar panel arrays) can boost the surrounding agricultural operations. Solar panels create microclimates enhancing the growth of grasses consumed by cows and sheep by up to 90%.
Interestingly, solar arrays can have a positive impact on insect populations as well. An Enel-managed facility study revealed a threefold increase in insect life over five years—with bee populations skyrocketing twentyfold. These thriving insect populations contribute significantly to pollination in nearby farms, like soybean farms.
This is excellent news for almond growers in California, where retrofitting solar farms with pollinator habitats could lead to a whopping $264 million in annual benefits. With farmers paying up to $400 per acre for bee pollination services during the bloom season, the savings potential is astronomical!
The benefits don’t stop at insects and flowers, though. A study reviewing thirty-two solar facilities in Slovakia noticed a significant increase in the richness, abundance, and diversity of various bird species. Notably, solar panels often provide a unique, sheltered habitat during winter months.
Clearly, the possibilities that come with appropriately installed solar arrays are extensive. They have potential far beyond just harnessing sunshine to power our homes and businesses. As the solar industry continues to evolve, it is increasingly clear that well-placed solar installations can become integral, beneficial components to the landscapes they inhabit.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the solar industry, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re considering making the switch to solar. The benefits truly are abundant!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/25/agriculturally-integrated-solar-takes-flight/
