Biosolar - solar farms that boost both energy and biodiversity

Can solar farms become more than just energy production sites? Biosolar explores how solar farms can be transformed into habitats that enhance biodiversity while producing renewable energy.

The need for sustainable energy is growing rapidly, but the expansion of solar farms also poses a challenge: how do they affect the biodiversity of our landscapes? Biosolar wants to show that solar farms can not only produce renewable energy - they can also become places where plants and animals find new habitats and where ecosystem services are strengthened.

Purpose

The project aims to:

• develop multifunctional solar parks that combine energy production and biodiversity
• create refuges for local plants and animals
• contribute to sustainable agricultural landscapes,
• and strengthen the interaction between ecological, economic and social values

Approach

The project is based on research, education and citizen engagement:

• Field surveys in and around solar parks, where researchers and students study vegetation, pollinators, reptiles, birds, bats and other mammals using observations, camera traps and audio recorders.
  
  
• School partnerships, involving students near solar parks in nature and sustainability education, including citizen science using camera traps.
  
  
• Citizen science, where anyone interested can take part in open inventory days and help map nature with apps like iNaturalist. External link.

Expected results

• New knowledge on how solar parks can contribute to biodiversity.
• Educational materials and activities to enhance young people's understanding of nature
• Engaged citizens who actively participate in documenting and conserving nature.
• A model for solar parks to serve as an example for other countries in Europe and beyond