UC Davis studies the interaction between floating solar PV systems and waterbirds
Field research generates mostly positive interactions, but both can impact each other negatively
Future research must focus on waterbird behavior at FPV sites and their mutual impacts
A new University of California, Davis (UC Davis) study outlines key considerations to better align renewable energy and biodiversity goals by looking at the impact of floating PV, or floatovoltaics, can have on the habitat of waterbirds.
Floating solar systems are typically installed on man-made water bodies, including reservoirs, irrigation ponds, and wastewater basins. Their appeal lies in producing renewable energy without consuming additional natural land; however, these structures can introduce chemicals, microplastics and macrodebris into the environment that can negatively impact aquatic habitats.
Birds, on the other hand, can directly impact FPV operation with their droppings, etc.
Researchers argue that there is a need to study the impact of floating PV systems on aquatic ecosystems to ascertain that these do not pose a threat to the waterbirds that already face threats from habitat loss, climate change, pollution and avian influenza, among other factors.
Their focus is on waterbirds since these interact above and below the PV panels and are easy to observe.
“That’s why it’s so important to understand how waterbirds are going to respond to floating solar and if there is the possibility for conservation concessions at new floating solar facilities,” said Corresponding Author of the study Elliott Steel, who is a postdoctoral scholar with the UC Davis Wild Energy Center within the Energy and Efficiency Institute.
During its field research, the team observed mostly positive waterbird interactions with floating solar, but recommends that there is more research required as FPV systems flourish.
Drawing from field observations, the UC Davis study published in the Nature Water journal explores how floating solar systems and waterbirds may affect one another. They recommend that future studies focus on bird interactions with solar infrastructure, mutual impacts, site-specific conservation strategies, monitoring methods, and pollution risks from floating PV components.