Study finds restored habitats at solar energy facilities boost insect biodiversity

Summary

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory studied how solar energy facilities built on retired agricultural land, when planted with native grasses and wildflowers, can restore insect populations and biodiversity. Over five years, all habitat and biodiversity metrics increased, with native plants thriving and insect communities—including pollinators like bumblebees—flourishing. The study demonstrates that solar energy sites can serve dual purposes: clean energy generation and ecological restoration.

Source

bskyStudy finds restored habitats at solar energy facilities boost insect biodiversityanl.gov