Bird on a solar panel
Image: Squabble author, Don McCullough, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 DEED
Researchers from the School of Environmental and Sustainability Engineering at Universidad Mayor in Chile have discovered that native birds use solar farms as a refuge.
The scientists conducted their research at the 10.8 MW La Colonia solar park in Buin, Chile. The project was built by Chilean developer IM2 Solar Chile and Enel Green Power, the renewable energy unit of Italian energy giant Enel. The research team observed the behavior of various local bird species for six months.
“It was possible to verify that the solar park provides favorable conditions for the development of this type of species,” the academics said. “The panels show a positive impact on the ecosystem, thanks to the shade they produce, the refuge effect they generate for the development of herbaceous species and the productive residue of the soil, as shown by several scientific studies.”
César Mattar, the lead author of the research paper, said they have developed a management plan to preserve bird life. This plan took into account the reproductive cycles of the species in the study area and how these cycles varied with the plant’s maintenance activities.
“Since there are almost no humans present to disturb the ecosystem, the panels apparently act as protectors for the nesting of some species,” he said. “In addition, no machinery or combustion engines enter to pollute the soil or the environment, and because it is a closed perimeter, it is a protected space for other threatening species.”
The research led to a partnership agreement between IM2 Solar and Universidad Mayor to advance training, R&D and innovation programs. The agreement includes a proposal to manage bird life in solar power plants.
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