Can photovoltaic power plants generate renewable energy while also supporting nature? The results of our project suggest they can. We have published the methodology Standards and Recommendations for Biodiversity Enhancement Measures in Existing Solar Parks and are also presenting two demonstration sites tested at the Komorovice and Onyx Zdice photovoltaic power plants. Based on extensive monitoring of photovoltaic installations across the Czech Republic, we found that well-managed solar parks can provide valuable habitats for plants, pollinators, other insect groups, and birds, including species of conservation concern. At the pilot sites, a range of biodiversity-supporting measures were implemented, including a flower-rich meadow, ponds, stone walls, earthen banks, insect hotels of various designs and sizes, and adapted vegetation management practices. The complete methodology and demonstration-site reports are available for download below. In the near future, the results will also be published in a scientific article presenting a unique multi-taxon assessment of biodiversity in photovoltaic power plants across the Czech Republic.
We thank Photon Energy Operations CZ s.r.o. for their collaboration!
Supported by the TA ČR project: Optimising biodiversity support for solar parks in the open countryside (SS07020239).
