Planting wildflowers under solar panels, also known as “solar pollinator habitat,” has gained traction as a practice to support pollinators while also enhancing the efficiency of solar arrays. Here’s some more information:
Benefits
Pollinator Support: Wildflowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to sustain their populations.
Erosion Control: Vegetation helps prevent soil erosion, especially in areas prone to wind or water erosion.
Cooling Effect: The vegetation can provide a cooling effect, reducing the temperature around solar panels and potentially improving their efficiency.
Biodiversity: Planting a diverse array of native plants under solar panels can support broader ecosystem health.
Implementation
Typically, low-growing native plants are selected to ensure they don’t interfere with the operation of the solar panels. These plants are often drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance. Planting can be done in rows or patches under and around the solar panels, leaving space for maintenance and access pathways.
States and Initiatives
Several states have initiated programs or encouraged the practice of planting wildflowers under solar panels. States with significant solar energy production, as well as those with active pollinator conservation efforts, are particularly interested.
States such as Minnesota, Maryland, North Carolina, and Vermont have seen notable initiatives in this regard. For example:
Minnesota: The state has actively promoted solar pollinator habitat through its “Solar Sanctuaries” program, which offers incentives for establishing pollinator-friendly vegetation at solar sites.
Maryland: The Maryland Energy Administration has supported projects that incorporate pollinator habitat under solar arrays, aiming to increase pollinator populations while generating clean energy.
North Carolina: The state has seen various solar farms incorporating pollinator-friendly habitats, with some projects receiving recognition for their environmental stewardship efforts.
Vermont: Solar developers and conservation groups in Vermont have collaborated on projects to create pollinator-friendly habitats under solar arrays, aligning with the state’s commitment to renewable energy and biodiversity conservation.
Overall, the combination of solar energy production and pollinator habitat creation offers a win-win scenario for renewable energy development and environmental conservation. It’s a practice that continues to gain momentum as more states recognize its benefits and incorporate it into their solar energy policies and projects.