Do solar thermal panels affect wildlife and ecosystems?

While PV installations and especially ground-mounted USSE facilities have been the subject of most research, the impacts of solar thermal panels on wildlife and ecosystems have yet to be studied. Thus, it remains to be found whether these impacts could be similar to the ones observed in the case of PV panels.

Can solar development affect wildlife?

Respondents agreed that the most common process for assessing adverse impacts to wildlife from solar development is compliance with federal statutes that protect sensitive species and their habitat.

Can solar power help protect wildlife?

The company, a joint venture with the oil and gas giant BP, says it’s working on various solar projects that incorporate pollinator habitat, conservation of short-grass prairie land, and even animal grazing. Wildlife corridors are another way solar installations could help support biodiversity.

Do solar panels pose a risk to wildlife?

Collisions with supporting infrastructure. The various structures needed to operate a solar energy facility (e.g., PV panels, overhead transmission lines, CSP towers) have the potential to pose a collision risk to wildlife, which may lead to injuries or fatalities. Research areas of interest include:

How can solar energy help native wildlife communities?

On-site plant and animal habitat. Solar energy facilities can implement strategies to manage on-site habitat for the benefit of native wildlife communities (e.g., seeding with native plants). Research areas of interest include:

Can solar panels help protect local ecosystems?

Many projects and studies are currently looking for ways that solar installations can better protect — and potentially even improve — local ecosystems, along with the bottom lines of operators and even nearby landholders like farmers.