The U S Solar Ecosystem

How does solar energy impact ecosystem services?

In the United States, solar energy is forecasted to generate roughly 45% of the electricity by 2050. Although solar energy mitigates the negative effects of climate change by providing electricity without releasing greenhouse gases, little is known about the implications of solar energy development for ecosystem services.

Should ecosystem services be included in future solar energy development decision-making?

This study provides a holistic assessment of incorporating ecosystem services in future solar energy development decision-making and presents an approach for minimizing trade-offs and maximizing sustainable outcomes.

Can solar energy restore plant-dominated ecosystems?

Restoring functional, perennial plant-dominated ecosystems within utility scale solar facilities has been achieved at scale in the midwestern US with existing technologies, thus it offers a realistic solution for an informed energy transition that simultaneously promotes ecosystem health.

Do insect communities respond to new habitat on solar energy facilities?

The research team from Argonne National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Minnesota Native Landscapes conducted a longitudinal field study over five years (2018 to 2022) to understand how insect communities responded to newly established habitat on solar energy facilities in agricultural landscapes.

Can ecovoltaic solar improve ecosystem services in crop-dominated ecosystems?

We identified opportunities where the strategic placement of ecovoltaic solar could facilitate enhancement of ecosystem services like water quality, pollination services, and wildlife habitat in crop-dominated ecosystems.

Can solar suitability modeling be used in ecosystem service evaluation?

By incorporating solar suitability modeling with ecosystem service evaluation, we develop a method that provides a comprehensive understanding of potential techno-ecological trade-offs.