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Beneath Solar Panels, the Seeds of Opportunity Sprout [1]

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Date: 2022-09

Flourishing vegetation can even boost energy production from solar panels. Warmer temperatures can reduce the efficiency with which PV cells convert sunlight into electricity. The ground shading and increased evaporation provided by a healthy layer of undergrowth can actually cool solar panels, increasing their energy output.

Low-impact solar development, including native and pollinator-friendly vegetation practices, provides numerous, stacked benefits in the form of ecosystem services, operational efficiency, and positive stakeholder relations."

—Marcus Krembs, director of sustainability, Enel Green Power North America (which is hosting three InSPIRE test sites in Minnesota)

So, why isn't low-impact solar development more widely adopted?

"In a risk-averse industry, this is perceived as a risky practice because there haven't been any studies and there isn't any data to say that this works or that there can be benefits to the solar project," said Macknick. "That's why we are doing the first systematic and robust research on low-impact solar development—to see what works and to quantify costs and benefits."

Low-Impact Solar Saves More Than Soil

At the Minnesota test site, Macknick and his colleagues have planted nine different seed mixes and are studying their impact on temperatures, soil moisture levels, energy production, and maintenance over several years. At sites in six other states, representing the country's diverse climates, similar research is underway.

To ensure research stays abreast of current industry practices, an InSPIRE stakeholder group called ASTRO (Agriculture and Solar Together: Research Opportunities) brings together researchers, solar developers, and government agencies to share the latest data and best practices. Ultimately, InSPIRE's research should yield actionable suggestions for the solar industry, answering questions such as "What seed mixes do we plant to minimize maintenance costs in certain climates?" or "How frequently do we mow?"

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[1] Url: https://www.nrel.gov/news/features/2019/beneath-solar-panels-the-seeds-of-opportunity-sprout.html

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