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