How to install large photovoltaic panels on grassland

How do photovoltaic systems affect grassland restoration?

Photovoltaic systems relieve the pressure of resource extraction and energy generation on climate change, and their installation and module operation affect vegetation productivity and grassland restoration by changing the microenvironment and ecosystem processes.

Are grasslands a good place to install solar panels?

Grassland ecosystems, which make up approximately 24% of the earth's land surface (Yang et al., 2020), offer immense potential for meeting the land requirements for PV arrays (Bai et al., 2022). Due to their short vegetation and flat topography, grasslands are favorable locations for installing PV arrays (Kannenberg et al., 2023).

Can grassland ecosystems be used for photovoltaic panels?

Grassland ecosystems account for over 20 % of the global land area, providing huge potential for the deployment of photovoltaic panels (Zhang et al., 2024a).

Do PV panels reduce plant productivity in grasslands?

A previous study in the UK found that PV arrays in grasslands reduced plant productivity by 25% in sheltered zones under the PV panels (referred to as ‘Under zones') compared to the ambient grassland; however, soil properties did not vary between the treatments (Armstrong et al., 2016).

Can PV power stations be installed in grassland areas?

As a result, PV power stations have rapidly developed in grassland areas (Adeh et al., 2019; Armstrong et al., 2016; Dias et al., 2019; Martín-Chivelet, 2016), particularly in the northern grassland areas of China (Bai et al., 2022; Zhao et al., 2019).

Are PV arrays better than common grassland fencing?

PV arrays have better restoration effects than common grassland fencing. PV arrays increase soil C sequestration by 78.61% compared to previous measures. PV arrays can restore the degraded grassland and resolve land use conflicts. Photovoltaic (PV) facility installation occupying large land areas gradually expands into vast grasslands.