Ecological effects of preferential vegetation composition developed on sites with photovoltaic power plants

Abstract

Efficient ecological evaluation is essential to understand fully the dynamics and development of photovoltaic power plants (PVPP) and to provide important support to the national development of clean energy and sustainable land use planning. There are still very few studies quantifying the direct and indirect impacts of photovoltaics (PV) on the biological diversity. The goal of the study was to assess the vegetation of PVPP and to determine the potential significance for the surrounding ecosystem. The vegetation was evaluated using the method of phytocoenological relevés. Two different sites were recorded: between PV panels and under them. Plant species were classified into groups according to their ecological effects. Sites with PVPP create conditions for species-rich plant communities. The vegetation creates preconditions for relationships and interactions with the surrounding ecosystems. From the perspective of PVPP operation, low growing plant species appear to have an ideal erosion control effect. They are plant species with no relation to agriculture, with limited spreading of seeds, native species, entomophilous species, and species with the limited production of allergenic pollen. Species recommended for the site between the PV panels include perennial grasses and perennial herbs while species recommended for the site under the PV panels are particularly perennial herbs. The vegetation has to be regularly maintained by mowing and even chemical control measures should be adopted. The site of PVPP has a potential to host native plant species that constitute a base for the functional ecosystem and provide a sufficient space for natural ecosystems, by which they can contribute to their stabilization.