Solar Plant Panels Host Same Plant Diversity as Grassland, Study Finds
Researchers surveyed 211 plant species at the Minami Mega Solar Power Plant in Gifu, Japan, and found no significant diversity difference across five environments.
A study of vegetation at the Minami Mega Solar Power Plant in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, has found that the number and diversity of plant species growing under the solar panels did not differ statistically significantly from surrounding grassland or other survey environments.
The research, reported by aitimes.com, recorded 211 plant species across five survey environments: under the panels, between panels, grassland and forest edge. Species richness and diversity showed no statistically significant differences among the five areas.
While overall diversity was comparable, the composition of vegetation under the panels was more similar to forest edge communities than to open grassland. Ferns and other forest-preferring plants were more common beneath the panels.
The findings were published on September 30 in the Journal of Environmental Management. The researchers proposed the term "Passive Ecovoltaics" for the approach of working with naturally introduced vegetation under minimal management.
Site history
The Minami Mega Solar Power Plant covers approximately 169 hectares on a former golf course site and has about 55 MW DC and about 42 MW AC capacity. It began commercial operation in July 2019. Since then, vegetation has been managed by mowing twice a year, without seeding or herbicide use.
Quick answers
Where was the solar plant vegetation study conducted?
At the Minami Mega Solar Power Plant in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
How many plant species were found in the study?
The study recorded 211 plant species across five survey environments.
Where was the study published?
It was published on September 30 in the Journal of Environmental Management.