Handbook shows how solar parks can benefit biodiversity

A guide is now available on how solar parks in Sweden and the Nordic countries can be established with a positive effect on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The handbook has been produced by the Eko-Sol project run by RISE and Ecogain.

It is possible to combine solar farms with both agriculture and biodiversity measures. With the right location, design and management of solar farms, they have the potential to contribute net positive impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

- Michiel van Noord from RISE and project manager for Eko-Sol.

Ground-based solar farms in Sweden are growing in number and size, taking up land in a way that solar panels on buildings do not. At the same time, land use change is the biggest cause of biodiversity loss, one of the biggest sustainability challenges globally and in Sweden. Sweden's arable land is also declining, by 30 000 hectares between 2016 and 2020, of which 3000 hectares are due to development.

Benefiting biodiversity requires consideration throughout the planning and implementation process, knowledge of the natural values of the site and how the solar park is expected to affect them, both negatively and positively. With this handbook, we want to inspire and guide PV operators and landowners who strive to create added value for both people and nature in their PV parks.

- Ida Petterson, environmental consultant at Ecogain.

The Eko-Sol project has mapped how solar parks are planned in Sweden today and how the design can affect biodiversity and ecosystem services. By combining national and international experiences, the handbook for the design of ecologically sustainable solar parks has been developed.

It requires innovative and bold solar players and good partnerships between them and landowners, farmers and the public. But more research and scaled-up trials are also needed. Building and sharing experience and knowledge increases the potential for solar energy to contribute to both national energy and food security and environmental goals, while providing farmers with a new source of income and spreading their risks.

- Michiel van Noord from RISE.

HERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE