Solar Energy and Biodiversity: What Does the Science Tell Us?

As solar energy deployment accelerates worldwide, ensuring that photovoltaic infrastructure is developed in ways that are compatible with biodiversity conservation has become an increasingly important challenge. While solar energy plays a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, its expansion can also affect ecosystems, species and habitats in a variety of ways.

As part of the MRC-FRB research programme on renewable energy and biodiversity, this research stream focuses on ground-mounted photovoltaic systems and their interactions with ecosystems, habitats and species.

Through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, it documents the biodiversity impacts associated with solar energy development, assesses the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented across different contexts, and identifies practical recommendations to support the development of more biodiversity-compatible solar projects.

Understanding the impacts of solar energy on biodiversity

Scientific research shows that the biodiversity impacts of solar installations vary significantly depending on location, land-use history, project design and management practices.

Several impacts have been consistently documented across the scientific literature:

Habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from land conversion;
Mortality risks for birds and insects;
Changes in vegetation composition and plant communities;
Altered animal behaviour and movement patterns;
Changes to soil quality and ecosystem functions;
Modifications of local microclimates through shading and changes in water availability.

The research also highlights a phenomenon known as the "lake effect", whereby some aquatic insects mistake the reflective surface of solar panels for water bodies. This can create ecological traps that affect breeding and survival.

At the same time, the findings demonstrate that biodiversity outcomes are not always negative. In degraded agricultural landscapes or intensively managed environments, well-designed solar projects can provide opportunities for habitat restoration and ecological enhancement. Several studies report positive outcomes for pollinators, insects and certain bird species when biodiversity-friendly management practices are implemented.

More broadly, the research highlights important knowledge gaps regarding the long-term interactions between photovoltaic infrastructure and biodiversity, underscoring the need for continued scientific investigation.

From mitigating impacts to enhancing biodiversity

Beyond documenting impacts, the research also examined the effectiveness of measures designed to improve biodiversity outcomes at solar sites.

Several promising approaches emerged from the review:

Establishing wildflower meadows and diverse native vegetation;
Limiting mowing intensity and adopting biodiversity-friendly vegetation management;
Preserving hedgerows, habitat mosaics and ecological refuges;
Restoring habitats using local seed mixtures;
Maintaining ecological connectivity and wildlife movement corridors.

The findings suggest that project design and long-term site management can significantly influence ecological outcomes. Several studies reviewed in the programme found that solar farms managed with diverse vegetation and extensive maintenance practices can support greater abundance and diversity of pollinators, insects and breeding birds than more intensively managed sites.

The research also points to innovative design solutions aimed at reducing biodiversity risks. Modifications to panel surfaces, for example, can reduce polarized light reflection and help limit the lake effect. Experimental studies have demonstrated significant reductions in insect attraction when these adapted surfaces are used.

While many of these approaches show promising results, further research and long-term monitoring remain essential to better assess their effectiveness across different ecological and geographical contexts.

Recommendations for key stakeholders

The research identifies several priorities for advancing biodiversity-compatible solar development.

For developers and operators, biodiversity objectives should be integrated from the earliest stages of project planning and carried through project design, construction and long-term management.
For researchers, priorities include expanding studies on understudied species and ecosystems, strengthening monitoring efforts and evaluating a broader range of mitigation measures.
For policymakers and public authorities, the findings highlight the importance of evidence-based planning frameworks, robust monitoring requirements and continued support for biodiversity research.