Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the world's fastest-growing energy sources. By the end of 2024, solar accounted for 77% of annual capacity additions, reaching a total of 1,867 gigawatts globally. While its role in reducing emissions and lowering electricity costs is well known, solar PV also offers lesser‑known environmental benefits-when planned thoughtfully.
According to a recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the impact of a solar PV plant on its local environment depends largely on location and construction methods. With proactive planning, solar installations can support agriculture, restore degraded land, and even enhance biodiversity.
Here are five practical approaches that combine solar generation with environmental co‑benefits.
1. Agrivoltaics – Farming Under Panels
By integrating crops with solar arrays, agrivoltaics improves land‑use efficiency. The partial shade provided by panels reduces irrigation needs, increases crop survival rates, and can boost agricultural productivity. In areas where water and electricity are scarce, solar‑powered irrigation systems also offer a reliable solution. For example, women farmers in Rwanda have used solar‑powered irrigation to enhance their livelihoods.
2. Solar Grazing – Livestock Meets Solar
Grass and vegetation beneath solar panels require regular management to prevent overgrowth. Grazing livestock-such as sheep, cattle, or poultry-offers a natural and cost‑effective solution. This approach reduces fire hazards, cuts vegetation management costs, and provides animals with shade, which can improve meat and milk production. A study in Canada found that combining utility‑scale solar farms with sheep grazing increased farmers' profits by up to 40%, depending on market conditions.
3. Solar for Degraded Land Restoration
Degraded lands, such as former mining sites, are often prone to dust storms and erosion. Deploying solar PV on such sites can help stabilize soil, control sandstorms, and support the return of native vegetation, turning underutilized land into productive renewable energy assets while aiding ecological recovery.
4. Ecovoltaics – Boosting Biodiversity
Solar PV plants can create favorable conditions for local ecosystems. Planting pollinator‑friendly vegetation beneath and around arrays attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. In Germany, studies have shown that pollinator presence in agrivoltaic projects increased by 33% to 88% compared to areas without solar panels-demonstrating that well‑designed solar sites can actively support biodiversity.
5. Aquavoltaics – Floating Solar on Water
When solar panels are installed on water bodies-known as floating solar PV-they can reduce evaporation, regulate water temperature, and help control harmful algal blooms. When combined with aquaculture, these systems can improve water quality and fish habitat. A seafood farm in China, for instance, reported better production outcomes and increased income after integrating floating solar with its operations.
Making It Work: Planning and Collaboration
As IRENA's report emphasizes, harvesting these co‑benefits requires careful assessment of potential negative impacts and the adoption of supportive measures. Effective policies-such as integrated planning, financial incentives, technical standards, and training programs-can help scale these sustainable practices.
Equally important is stakeholder engagement. Involving farmers, grid operators, environmental groups, and local communities from the early planning stage ensures that solar projects deliver value beyond electricity generation.
Conclusion
Solar PV is more than a clean energy solution. When deployed with intention, it can restore land, support agriculture, protect biodiversity, and strengthen local economies. As the industry continues to grow, thoughtful design and collaboration will unlock the full potential of solar-not just as a power source, but as a positive force for the environment.
