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Solar arrays ease drought stress and boost grass growth in Colorado grasslands

Future experiments at a Shortgrass Ecovoltaic facility opening later in 2025 will assess solar arrays’ effects on native prairies

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Overview

  • A four-year trial in semi-arid northern Colorado showed grasses under solar panels grew about 20% more than open-field controls during dry years
  • Shading from panels and redirected rain runoff reduced plant water stress by improving soil moisture at panel edges
  • Productivity gains were most pronounced in the driest year but remained detectable in normal and wet seasons
  • Researchers say small adjustments to panel design and configuration could further enhance ecosystem benefits by optimizing water use
  • The next phase at the upcoming Shortgrass Ecovoltaic Research Facility near Nunn will study impacts on native shortgrass prairies and grazing management