Chinese Scientists Confirm That Covering a Desert With Solar Panels Positively Impacts the Ecosystem

Recent studies in China have demonstrated that deserts can be ideal settings for solar panel installations. Photovoltaic systems in arid regions not only generate significant amounts of green energy but can also enhance the local ecosystem.

Study. Researchers from Xi’an University of Technology recently discovered that establishing large solar farms in desert areas has positive effects on the microclimate, soil properties, and vegetation.

Method. To assess the ecological and environmental impacts of these installations, scientists employed the Driving-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, which is recommended by the European Environment Agency.

They evaluated 57 indicators and utilized the entropy weight method to assign weight to each indicator, prioritizing those with less variability.

Results. The study focuses on the Gonghe Photovoltaic Park in Qinghai in Northwestern China. The massive 1 GW facility is located in the arid Talatan Desert within the mountainous province of Qinghai.

The contrast is striking. The area inside the solar park received an overall rating of 0.4393 from the DPSIR framework, while the surrounding transition and off-park areas were rated as “poor,” with scores of 0.2858 and 0.2802, respectively.

Conclusion. The development of the photovoltaic park has positively affected the microclimate, soil quality, and the diversity of plants and microorganisms in the shaded areas under the solar panels. This improvement is attributed to reduced air pressure and increased humidity in the environment.

Moreover, the installation has altered the distribution of energy on the desert surface, creating more favorable conditions for vegetation and microbial life. “Photovoltaic development has a positive effect on desert area ecology and the environment,” researchers say in their study, which was published in Scientific Reports.

What’s next. Researchers recommend long-term monitoring of the ecological and environmental effects of photovoltaic installations to maximize their benefits and minimize potential negative impacts.

As the demand for renewable energy increases, it’ll be essential to understand how large installations affect local ecosystems to identify the best locations for their construction.

Image | Antonio Garcia

Related | Nuclear Rockets Could Reach Mars Twice as Fast Compared to Current Methods. The Challenge Lies in the Design of the Reactors