Effects of Photovoltaic Solar Farms on Microclimate and Vegetation Diversity

The need for energy and the increasing importance of climate change mitigation are leading to a conversion from conventional to renewable energy sources. Solar photovoltaic (PV) power has seen the most significant increase among all renewable energy sources. However, most of these installations are land-based, significantly changing global land use (LU). The real impacts, whether positive or negative, are poorly understood. This study was undertaken to have a better understanding of the impacts of solar parks on the microclimate and vegetation dynamics. First, different solar parks were visited to take measurements of the surface temperature (T-surf), photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), air temperature (T-air), and humidity (RH) to quantify the microclimate and perform a vegetation releve. The measurements were taken at different positions: underneath, in between, and outside solar panels. For vegetation, the data were first converted to diversity indices, which in turn contributed to a multi-indicator land use impact assessment that evaluated effects on vegetation, biodiversity, soil and water. Solar parks had clear effects on microclimate: if the panels were high enough from the ground, they could lower the T-surf by providing shade and enough airflow. Additionally, the multidimensional functional diversity (FD) analysis of the vegetation indicated that there was less light at a higher humidity and lower temperature underneath the panels. Interestingly, the species underneath the panels also preferred a lower pH and a higher nitrogen level. Finally, the land use impact assessment found that the total land use impact for a wheat field was higher than that of the solar park, which suggests that the conversion of conventional intensive agriculture to a solar park would be beneficial.

Automated summary

The conversion from conventional to renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic power, is causing significant changes in global land use. This study aimed to understand the impacts of solar parks on microclimate and vegetation dynamics. Measurements were taken at different positions underneath, in between, and outside solar panels to evaluate the effects on microclimate and vegetation. The findings showed that solar parks can lower the surface temperature through shade and airflow, and the vegetation underneath preferred lower pH and higher nitrogen levels. The land use impact assessment suggested that converting conventional intensive agriculture to solar parks can be beneficial.