As floating solar installations become more common across agricultural and industrial water bodies, researchers are raising concerns about how these systems may affect local ecosystems—particularly waterbirds. UC Davis scientists are leading research to explore how birds interact with floating photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure, urging the renewable energy sector to integrate ecological considerations early in the design process.
From winery ponds in California to vast reservoirs in China, floatovoltaics offer a space-efficient method to scale clean energy. They help reduce land competition, limit water evaporation, and provide dual-use benefits in water-constrained areas. Yet, despite these advantages, little is known about how aquatic bird species navigate and respond to these structures.
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