About the Project

Solar is expanding rapidly in the Northeast, with 11.5 GW projected to come on line by 2030 in New England alone. Like any other form of development, ground-mounted solar PV energy installations require land cover modification that may affect its value as a habitat for wildlife.

Although widely considered a critical issue, little empirical research has been conducted on the potential effects of PV solar projects on habitats and ecological processes. Specifically, there is insufficient data on the effects of solar PV development on avian reproductive success and insect activity, which causes uncertainty with respect to solar PV siting, on-site vegetation management, and various aspects of site design.

By addressing these critical knowledge gaps, this project will enable stakeholders to comprehensively understand and address concerns regarding the potential impacts, either positive or negative, related to solar PV deployment and site management operations.

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The Project team aims:

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For this research to contribute toward the energy needs of the future while providing suitable habitats for wildlife.

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To foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for groups under-represented in STEM and benefit environmental justice communities.

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Work with youth groups to engage high-school students in topics of science and sustainability.

Copy of Alexis Laskowski checks a nest with an extendible mirror

Various Components of the Project:

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Study of Aviation Reproductive Success.

The team will consider nest survival and cowbird parasitism (cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other species at a cost to the host species) as proxies for avian reproductive success, a critical component of avian fitness.

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Insect Activity and Bioacoustics Development

The team will survey insects (focusing on bees) at solar sites using a traditional method and compare results to a machine-learning automated bioacoustics method explicitly developed for solar sites.

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Integrated Decision Model (IDM) development

Develop an Integrated Decision Model (IDM) to support and provide information for users (e.g., solar developers, wildlife agencies, and local officials) to assess site locations, conditions, management options, and monitoring decisions related to avian reproductive success and insect activity.