Biodiversity of ground-mounted solar parks in Lower Saxony

Photovoltaic is an important energy source in the context of the expansion of renewable energies in Germany. Ambitious expansion targets have been set, which lead to increasing numbers of ground-mounted solar parks. This has an impact on biodiversity, as the installation of solar parks causes changes regarding microclimate, habitat structures and land use. Some studies suggest that solar parks can have positive effects on biodiversity, depending on the landscape context and previous use of the land. At the same time, other studies show negative effects for individual species or species groups. Overall, there are considerable knowledge gaps regarding the effects of solar parks on biodiversity. In particular, long-term studies, studies covering numerous solar parks or with focus on specific species groups (e.g., carabid beetles) are rare. Also, many studies have been conducted at solar parks that do not represent the typical characteristics (size, maintenance, surrounding environment, etc.) of solar parks in Lower Saxony.

In this research project we therefore focus on the characteristics of solar parks in Lower Saxony and whether they exhibit structures that can potentially promote biodiversity. In addition, we investigate the effects of solar parks on various species groups (including vascular plants, mammals, birds, butterflies, and carabid beetles) at selected sites. We also look at different locations within solar parks (areas under and between the solar panels and at the edge of the parks) and on control sites (farmland/grassland sites as previous land use) surrounding these solar parks.

In addition to investigations by scientific staff, the monitoring is integrated into teaching. Several student projects and theses have already been carried out as part of this research project. We thank W. Bax for the possibility to conduct our investigations on his solar parks.