Ecovoltaic Research
Our research is focused on finding solutions for solar energy land use that promote ecological synergies and inform land management. In particular, our foci include 1) siting large utility scale solar arrays in disturbed, over-utilized, and resource limited lands that might benefit from the dynamic environmental conditions within PV arrays, 2) incorporating new technologies that help avoid disturbances to soil and vegetation caused by the harmful practice of grading, and 3) mitigate exposure to stressful environmental conditions that are expected to increase in severity over the coming decades (extreme temperatures, drought, high atmospheric demand for water).
Synergies for plant water relations
Exploring microbial patterns and diversity in PV arrays
Soils are crucial for supporting life aboveground via water storage, nutrient cycling, decomposition, and myriad other functions. Resource heterogeneity generates unique soil microbial communities and functionality in natural systems, leaving us curious about how the microclimates produced by solar panels may drive differences in soil processes within and between arrays.
Soil Carbon
The important role that soils play in ecosystem carbon cycling is widely known, yet, the response of soils to photovoltaic energy development is not. Precipitation events are both reduced (beneath panels) and amplified (at panel edges) in solar arrays. How does this influence small scale spatial patterns of soil carbon? How does this alter carbon storage in soils at the landscape scale? We plan to find out!
Biodiversity in solar arrays
Biodiversity is the foundation for many ecosystem services including soil health, carbon sequestration, and water quality. The environments created by solar farm infrastructure might benefit biodiversity through the diversity of microenvironments made available. Can solar farms be managed to maximize biodiversity?
Abundance and composition of plant phenolics compounds
Defense from pests and pathogens
Attract pollinators
