Is solar energy a 'wild energy'?

Joined by researchers from 11 other organizations, the study authors set out “ a framework for understanding more completely, and ultimately quantifying, the benefits of solar energy ” that they’ve dubbed Wild Energy.

Does solar power affect wildlife?

Rachel Y. Chock, Barbara Clucas, and Elizabeth K. Peterson contributed equally to this study. Solar power is a renewable energy source with great potential to help meet increasing global energy demands and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. However, research is scarce on how solar facilities affect wildlife.

How does solar energy interact with wildlife and the environment?

As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Can solar power create a wild-energy future?

“The first step in creating a wild-energy future is understanding the true value of solar,” said research project organizer and lead report author, Rebecca R. Hernandez, an assistant professor at UC Davis’ John Muir Institute of the Environment.

Does ground-mounted solar PV affect biodiversity?

This is particularly important as ground-mounted solar PV may have mixed to negative impacts on biodiversity. On one hand, ground-mounted solar PV sites have the potential to positively influence biodiversity across the agricultural landscape where the existing land management does not consider ecology, and biodiversity is poor.

How do ground-mounted photovoltaics and concentrating solar-thermal power installations affect wildlife?

Because ground-mounted photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) installations require the use of land, sites need to be selected, designed, and managed to minimize impacts to local wildlife, wildlife habitat, and soil and water resources.