3 Ways Native Plants Improve Solar and Wind Farms

Solar farms and wind farms present big opportunities for native plants and pollinators. In addition to providing climate-friendly energy solutions, they can do double duty when planted with native plants. Here are three ways native plants improve solar and wind farms:

1) Pollinator-friendly alternative to gravel or turf grass

Most solar and wind farms cover the site with gravel or turf grass. This may be an easy way to close up the development but it does nothing for pollinators. Instead, solar and wind developers can plant native seeds so that these clean energy builds become pollinator habitat, too.

2) Carbon sink

Neither gravel nor turf grass are able to pull carbon out of the atmosphere. In contrast, one acre of native prairie plants can store one ton of carbon in roots and soil per year. (Source: University of Minnesota, as referenced in GrowNative.org).

These prairie grasslands can sequester more carbon than trees. “Looking ahead, our model simulations show that grasslands store more carbon than forests because they are impacted less by droughts and wildfires,” said lead author Pawlok Dass, a postdoctoral scholar in Professor Benjamin Houlton’s lab at UC Davis.

3) Deep roots prevent stormwater runoff

Native plants grow deep roots, which pull water into the soil, instead of letting it run off the surface. This prevents sewer systems from being overloaded from rainstorms. Native plants also stabilize the soil, which can prevent erosion.

And Keep in Mind …

Height and shade requirements. The solar panels and wind turbines cast shadows, so you have to think about where shade will be, even though it seems like an open field. You will also want to consider height requirements, not just to allow for maintenance, but also to ensure pollinator safety – for instance, from heat and glare off the solar panels.

Right seed mix. Different communities will have different plants that are native to their locale. Do the research – or get some help – to know what seed mix would be best for your project.

Buffer zones. Local ordinances should require buffer zones around native plants and pollinator habitat so they are protected from pesticide and herbicide use in neighboring farms and lots.

Sunflower photo by Yoshi Sugimoto on Unsplash.

Solar farm photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash.