US EditionSolar panel arrays may help sustain grasslands during drought: Study
- A study published on June 4, 2025, involving researchers at institutions in Colorado and New York, demonstrated that solar panels positively impact semi-arid grasslands near Longmont, Colorado, by enhancing plant growth and soil moisture during dry conditions.
- The study arose from concerns that drought and limited precipitation reduce water availability and plant growth in Colorado's grasslands, with partial shading effects previously noted in other research.
- Analyzing data collected over four years at a solar facility combining energy production with grassland habitat in Longmont, Colorado, researchers observed that solar panels provide shade and collect water, resulting in roughly a 20% increase in grass growth during dry periods compared to adjacent open areas.
- Sturchio noted that this is the initial study to reveal how the observed effects intensify as conditions grow hotter and drier, such as those found in Colorado, emphasizing the role solar panels could play in alleviating water scarcity.
- These findings imply that integrating solar infrastructure with grasslands can support renewable energy while enhancing ecosystem stability and drought resilience under future climate scenarios.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Solar panels' shade helps boost Colorado grassland productivity in dry years
Grasses growing in the shade of a solar array were only a little less productive than those growing nearby in open grassland during years of average and above-average rainfall—but in a dry year, the shaded plants grew much ...
Science Daily
Research shows how solar arrays can aid grasslands during drought
New research shows that the presence of solar panels in Colorado's grasslands may reduce water stress, improve soil moisture levels and -- particularly during dry years -- increase plant growth by about 20% or more compared to open fields.
Solar panel arrays may help sustain grasslands during drought: Study
The placement of solar panels in Colorado’s grasslands could help decrease water stress and increase plant growth by about 20 percent during dry years, a new study has found. In these semi-arid areas, where grasslands often don’t get as much water as they need, the partial shading offered by solar systems can help plants get…
Environmental News Network - New Research Shows How Solar Arrays Can Aid Grasslands During Drought
New research from Colorado State University and Cornell University shows that the presence of solar panels in Colorado’s grasslands may reduce water stress, improve soil moisture levels and – particularly during dry years – increase plant growth by about 20% or more compared to open fields.
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