1000W Solar Energy in the Wild

Solar energy can have both positive and negative effects on wildlife, depending on various factors such as the location and design of solar power facilities and the measures taken to minimize their impacts on wildlife. One of the main negative impacts of solar energy on wildlife is the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats.

Joined by researchers from 11 other organizations, the study authors set out “ a framework for understanding more completely, and ultimately quantifying, the benefits of solar energy ” that they've dubbed Wild Energy.

There are various measures that can be implemented to minimize the impact of solar facilities on wildlife and promote coexistence. One of the most effective ways to protect wildlife is to carefully select the location of solar facilities. Solar facilities should be located in areas that have a minimal impact on wildlife and their habitats.

The extent to which habitat loss and fragmentation from solar development has already occurred and its impacts on habitat connectivity. The efficacy of wildlife corridors and wildlife-friendly fencing in mitigating adverse impacts from habitat loss and fragmentation.

By carefully selecting the location of solar facilities, using design features that reduce the risk of wildlife interactions with solar panels, regular monitoring and maintenance, and incorporating wildlife habitat features into solar facility design, we can promote coexistence between solar facilities and wildlife.

Specific data sets, tools, and resources on solar energy and wildlife identified by RFI respondents are listed in Appendix C. This summary will focus on the broader responses to data sharing. Stakeholders provided a range of responses on whether they had access to data. A general theme was that data access and availability varies dramatically.