Ground mounted solar arrays can take up yard or field space, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be invasive. Many states, and even countries like the United Kingdom, have initiatives in place to make ground mounted solar arrays beneficial for more than just production of green energy.
Pollinator-friendly solar is the practice of adding native plants around and under ground mounted solar arrays. Plants that attract pollinators not only benefit critically endangered pollinator species, but also promote ecological sustainability. An increase in pollinator habitats also aids small, local farmers.
Minnesota, for example, is a national leader in planting multiple large-scale utility solar spaces with black-eyed susans, purple prairie clover, and many other species of native prairie plants.
Species can take advantage of of the native wildflowers and plants, while also resting in the shade of the solar arrays. As areas around solar arrays are not areas of high human traffic, pollinator species can feed and pollinate peacefully.
Do you have a solar array you’d like to turn into a pollinator-friendly haven? Consider these simple steps in planting around your solar array:
- Plant a variety of native plants that bloom from early spring to late fall.
- Eliminate pesticides whenever possible.
- Skip highly hybridized plants.
- Various species of milkweed will provide larval food and nectar for adult Monarch butterflies.
