Harnessing Solar Energy to Safeguard Insect Populations and Improve Pollination Services: Agrivoltaics
A common complaint that we hear from local opposition to solar projects is the potential negative impact on the local environment. A great solution to address these sorts of concerns is Agrivoltaics, where agricultural activities take place beneath or near solar panels. This isn’t new and has been successfully implemented in various projects.
Research conducted on habitat-friendly solar energy sites showcases the positive impact on insect communities and pollination services. By strategically locating solar developments, we can protect insect populations and enhance pollination in neighboring agricultural fields.
Department of Energy researchers with the Argonne National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory demonstrated significant benefits of habitat-friendly solar energy on former agricultural lands. By incorporating native plants, they witnessed a twenty-fold increase in native bees and a three-fold rise in total insect abundance. Furthermore, these insects were observed pollinating nearby crop fields, enhancing their productivity.
This research emphasizes the importance of thoughtful planning and implementation of solar energy projects to conserve valuable farmland and potentially increase agricultural productivity through improved pollination services. By embracing habitat-friendly solar energy, we can create a win-win situation for both the environment and agriculture.
“This research highlights the relatively rapid insect community responses to habitat restoration at solar energy sites. It demonstrates that, if properly sited, habitat-friendly solar energy can be a feasible way to safeguard insect populations and can improve the pollination services in adjacent agricultural fields.” — Lee Walston, landscape ecologist and environmental scientist
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