- A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that solar panels in Colorado’s semi-arid grasslands increased plant growth by up to 20 percent during dry years, thanks to shade and water retention.
- Researchers suggest that slight adjustments in panel placement could further improve grass growth and support grazing and pollinator habitats, improving ecosystem services.
- Solar infrastructure is delivering unexpected environmental benefits, proving that innovation, not regulation, often leads the way. This study shows how energy development can support ecosystems without sacrificing productivity.
The placement of solar panels in Colorado’s grasslands could help decrease water stress and increase plant growth by about 20 percent during dry years, a new study has found.
In these semi-arid areas, where grasslands often don’t get as much water as they need, the partial shading offered by solar systems can help plants get through harsh summers, according to the study, published in Environmental Research Letters.
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