Solar + Wildlife

The Surprising Symbiosis Behind Responsibly Developed Utility-Scale Solar Sites

There is no doubt about the significance of renewable energy as a means to help curb the effects of climate change.

Solar energy has proven to be one of the cleanest, cheapest, and most abundant energy sources available today, and is highly effective at eliminating leading factors that contribute to our warming planet.

Conversely, with the U.S. solar market growing rapidly, concerns arise about the environmental impact both during and after construction.

RP Construction Services (RPCS) is in the business of solar site construction and solar tracker installation on sites ranging from 2MW to 100MW. In each of my visits to one of our sites, I never fail to spot some incredible wildlife. From horned lizards to pronghorn antelope, I’ve seen an array (pun intended) of both plant and animal life in and around our solar sites—and both seem to be thriving. I decided to do some thorough research on the topic, and this article presents my findings.

Abstract: When responsibly and sustainably developed, large-scale PV projects can provide shelter for sensitive species, promote land stability, preserve habitat, and support biodiversity, creating sanctuary for plant and animal life while creating coexistence between the solar site and flora and fauna.