Researchers have found that shade created by solar panels increases the abundance of flowers under the panels and delays the timing of their blooms.
The study, believed to be the first to look at the impact of solar panels on flowering plants and insects, has implications for solar developers who manage the land under panels, as well as agriculture and pollinator health advocates who are seeking land for pollinator habitat restoration.
The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, are being released at a time when some states, such as Minnesota, North Carolina, Maryland, Vermont and Virginia, have developed statewide guidelines and incentives to promote pollinator-focused solar installations.
 A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that shade provided by solar panels increased the abundance of flowers under the panels and delayed the timing of their bloom, both findings that could aid the agricultural community.
The study, believed to be the first that looked at the impact of solar panels on flowering plants and insects, has important implications for solar developers who manage the land under solar panels, as well as agriculture and pollinator health advocates who are seeking land for pollinator habitat restoration.
The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, are being released at a time when some states, such as Minnesota, North Carolina, Maryland, Vermont and Virginia, have developed statewide guidelines and incentives to promote pollinator-focused solar installations.
Partial shade from solar panels increase abundance of flowers in late summer newswise.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from newswise.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
OSU study: Flowers, pollinators have it made in the shade of solar panels
Kevin Nealon/OSU
Sheep graze beneath solar panels at Oregon State University
CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that shade provided by solar panels increased the abundance of flowers under the panels and delayed the timing of their bloom, both findings that could aid the agricultural community.
The study, believed to be the first that looked at the impact of solar panels on flowering plants and insects, has important implications for solar developers who manage the land under solar panels, as well as agriculture and pollinator health advocates who are seeking land for pollinator habitat restoration.
Partial shade from solar panels increase abundance of flowers in late summer eurekalert.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eurekalert.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.