Ecological impacts of single-axis photovoltaic solar energy with periodic mowing on microclimate and vegetation DOI Creative Commons
Yudi Li, Alona Armstrong,

Christopher W. Simmons

et al.

Frontiers in Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Large, ground-mounted photovoltaic solar projects (GPVs) are expanding rapidly worldwide, driven by their essential role in climate change mitigation and the transition to a low-carbon economy. With global market for tracking systems projected increase annually 32% capacity 2050, understanding ecological impacts, including those from operation management (O&M), is critical but understudied. This study presents first comprehensive evaluation of microclimate vegetation mosaics within conventional, single-axis GPV managed through regular mowing. In state California’s Great Central Valley (United States), we developed novel experimental framework characterize five distinct “micro-patches” that capture full spectrum zones modulated PV system O&M. Over 12-month period, monitored nine above- belowground variables 16 plant ecology metrics across these micro-patches. Beneath panels, photosynthetically active radiation decreased 89%, wind speed slowed 46%, while open spaces footprint exhibited greater soil surface temperatures (+2.4°C) accelerated moisture loss (+8.5%) during drought periods. Furthermore, panel rotation influenced shading patterns throughout day, creating temporal variability air temperature vapor pressure deficit. Plant surveys identified 37 species, 86% which were non-native. Marked differences micro-patches indicated GPVs drive changes community composition, structure, productivity. Compared spaces, near array displayed species richness (+8.4%), taller maximum height (+21%), reduced coverage sun-loving plants (−71%), less dead biomass accumulation (−26%), shade-driven effects. These findings suggest consideration micro-patch-specific maintenance strategies nature-based solutions control invasive, exotic conferring opportunities enhance operational, ecological, socioeconomic sustainability redressing twin crises biodiversity simultaneously.

Language: Английский

A global assessment of the effects of solar farms on albedo, vegetation, and land surface temperature using remote sensing DOI Creative Commons
Zhengjie Xu, Yan Li, Yingzuo Qin

et al.

Solar Energy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 268, P. 112198 - 112198

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

The rapid development of solar energy worldwide has attracted increasing attention due to its climatic and environmental impacts. Using MODIS data, we quantified the effects farms (SFs) on albedo, vegetation (using enhanced index (EVI) as a proxy), land surface temperature (LST) based 116 large SFs across world. results show that installation decreased annual mean shortwave albedo by 0.016 ± 0.009 (mean 1 STD) reduced EVI 0.015 0.019 relative surrounding areas. produced strong cooling effect −0.49 0.43 K in during daytime weaker −0.21 0.25 nighttime. greatest impacts LST were observed barren land, followed grassland cropland, while opposite order applied for impact. In terms seasonal latitudinal variations, largest impact was at high latitudes winter mid-latitudes summer vegetation, low spring–summer transitions LST. Correlation analysis showed over with capacity. both correlated geographic factors dependent type SF (photovoltaic or concentrating power). Our global assessment provides observational evidence construction environment local climate, which can help sustainable energy.

Language: Английский

Citations

29
Solar photovoltaic program helps turn deserts green in China: Evidence from satellite monitoring DOI
Zilong Xia, Yingjie Li, Wei Zhang

et al.

Journal of Environmental Management, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 324, P. 116338 - 116338

Published: Oct. 5, 2022

Language: Английский

Citations

46
Effect of shading determined by photovoltaic panels installed above the vines on the performance of cv. Corvina (Vitis vinifera L.) DOI
Giuseppe Ferrara, M. Boselli, M. Palasciano

et al.

Scientia Horticulturae, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 308, P. 111595 - 111595

Published: Oct. 15, 2022

Language: Английский

Citations

39
Environmental impacts of photovoltaic power plants in northwest China DOI
Lihui Luo, Yanli Zhuang, Hu Liu

et al.

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 56, P. 103120 - 103120

Published: March 1, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

26
Greenness change associated with construction and operation of photovoltaic solar energy in China DOI
Xiaochun Li,

Ze He,

Siyou Xia

et al.

Renewable Energy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 226, P. 120461 - 120461

Published: April 8, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

13
Decarbonization potential of floating solar photovoltaics on lakes worldwide DOI Creative Commons
R. Iestyn Woolway, Gang Zhao, Sofia Midauar Gondim Rocha

et al.

Nature Water, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(6), P. 566 - 576

Published: June 4, 2024

Abstract As climate change progresses, there is increasing emphasis on net zero and energy system decarbonization. Several technologies are contributing to this agenda, but among these, the growth of solar photovoltaics has consistently exceeded all projections. With land-use pressures, expense building-mounted photovoltaics, water surfaces increasingly being exploited host these technologies. However, date, we lack an understanding global potential floating and, as such, do not yet have sufficient insight inform decisions (in)appropriate areas for future deployment. Here quantify generation over 1 million bodies worldwide (14,906 TWh). Our analysis suggests that with a conservative 10% surface area coverage, could produce contribute considerable fraction (16%, average) electricity demand some countries, thus playing important role in decarbonizing national economies.

Language: Английский

Citations

10
Satellites Reveal Spatial Heterogeneity in Dryland Photovoltaic Plants' Effects on Vegetation Dynamics DOI Creative Commons
Zilong Xia, Yingjie Li, Shanchuan Guo

et al.

Earth s Future, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(6)

Published: June 1, 2024

Abstract Large‐scale photovoltaic (PV) plants are growing rapidly in drylands because of the rich solar radiation and vast unutilized land. The transformation landscapes dryland has threatened local fragile vegetation. Existing studies have investigated issue by field observations satellite data, yet spatial differences vegetation changes due to PV deployment underlying driving mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data were used assess disturbed China's drylands. We further identified environmental factors affecting based on random forest regression model. Our findings reveal heterogeneity impact dynamics—PV plant promoted growth majority arid hyper‐arid drylands, while it tends cause decline sub‐humid semi‐arid dynamics depends conditions. found that deploying areas with sparse vegetation, low humidity, long sunshine duration is more likely promote restoration. maps highly detailed information can help guide energy operators siting ecological restoration enhance techno–ecological synergies future.

Language: Английский

Citations

9
Modelling, simulation, and optimisation of agrivoltaic systems: a comprehensive review DOI Creative Commons
Sebastian Zainali, Silvia Ma Lu, Álvaro Fernández‐Solas

et al.

Applied Energy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 386, P. 125558 - 125558

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Minimizing environmental impacts of solar farms: a review of current science on landscape hydrology and guidance on stormwater management DOI Creative Commons
Rouhangiz Yavari Bajehbaj,

Demetrius Zaliwciw,

Raj Cibin

et al.

Environmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 2(3), P. 032002 - 032002

Published: June 8, 2022

Abstract As solar energy becomes an increasingly cheap source of renewable energy, major utility-scale ground panel installations, often called ‘solar farms’, are rapidly growing. With these farms covering hundreds acres, there is the potential for impacts on natural hydrologic processes, including runoff generation and erosion. Here we review current state scientific research hydrology water quality farms, as well management recommendations minimizing any impacts. The limited field measurements indicate redistribution soil moisture around but net erosion less clear. Research focused coupling with agriculture ‘agrivoltaics’ demonstrates reduced evaporative losses associated crop stress, particularly in more arid regions. regards to land stormwater most US states currently do not have farm-specific instead defer standard permits guidance. In guidance, typical include construction-related compaction, ensuring a high cover perennial vegetation minimal maintenance, designing pervious space between rows promote infiltration runoff; some cases, structural like basins may be required. general, can designed minimize impact landscape ecohydrological needed determine whether adequate. particular, need ideal sites such those higher slopes.

Language: Английский

Citations

31
Solar photovoltaic energy development and biodiversity conservation: Current knowledge and research gaps DOI Creative Commons
Julia Gómez‐Catasús, Manuel B. Morales, David Giralt

et al.

Conservation Letters, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(4)

Published: June 5, 2024

Abstract Solar photovoltaic (PV) has become the second renewable energy source, giving rise to potential conflicts with biodiversity conservation. However, information available about impacts and mitigation measures of solar PV is scarce scattered, a rigorous comprehensive review on topic lacking. Here, we state knowledge its identify main gaps. For that, reviewed more than 2000 articles, out which only 180 assessed ( N = 138) and/or propose (65). Even though Asia Europe head list regions highest installed capacity (59% 22%, respectively), large portion existing drawn from North American environmental contexts (48% studies), specifically deserts (41%). Impacts were addressed plants (26%), arthropods (14%), birds (10%), microorganisms reptiles (7%), mammals (4%), bats (1%), but also abiotic factors (e.g., humidity temperature; 20%) ecosystem services (3%). Most studies impact habitat alteration at landscape (33%) microhabitat scale (20%), microclimate (17%), other topics have been scarcely or agrivoltaic systems). Lastly, 53% employed single facility, preconstruction situations rarely reported (8%). There strong context bias in current understanding impacts, might not be extrapolable like farmlands, where most being installed. Moreover, standardized robust sampling designs are lacking address cumulative, long‐term, long‐scale produce comparable findings across contexts. Given lack empirical evidence irrepressible development energy, it advisable apply an iterative monitoring adaptive process guarantee safe transition. This may provide useful guidance prioritizing research efforts for smooth shift energy.

Language: Английский

Citations

8