Biodiversity Photovoltaics

At Fraunhofer ISE, we are researching ways to increase biodiversity on solar parks without causing losses in electricity yield. Species extinction and climate change are two major challenges that are closely linked. A low-carbon economy is crucial to counteract climate change. The electricity generation through PV systems plays an important role in this, but the expansion fundamentally represents an intervention in nature. 

With biodiversity-photovoltaics (Biodiv-PV), we are working to resolve these conflicting requirements together. Biodiv-PV refers to solar parks that, in addition to electricity generation by the PV system, also implement measures to promote different species groups on the site. They ensure an increase in local biodiversity on the project area and surroundings by creating new habitats and improving ecological conditions. 

In order to promote biodiversity in solar parks, we are investigating technical adjustments and measures to enhance the ecological value of the project and ensure an increase in biodiversity.

Our R&D-Services on the Topic "Biodiversity Photovoltaics" Include:

• Feasability Studies for Biodiversity-Promoting Solar Parks
• Support with Planning and Implementation of Biodiv-PV
• Simulation of Different System Designs and their Light Availability
• Monitoring of the PV System and Abiotic Parameters
• Final Performance Evaluation and Acceptance Tests of the System

Our team of experts analyses the environmental impact of solar parks and develops strategies to promote biodiversity, i.e. on species diversity and habitats. We examine both the ecological and economic aspects to ensure the efficiency of electricity generation in solar parks while promoting local biodiversity.

Our feasibility studies include a thorough analysis of the environment and operating conditions. This includes investigating the existing flora and fauna and assessing the potential environmental impact of solar parks. Based on this, we develop measures to minimise potential negative effects and create habitats for various species.  

Thanks to our feasibility studies, our customers receive well-founded information and clear recommendations on how to integrate biodiversity measures into their solar park projects.

Our planning support for biodiversity in solar parks offers expertise and tailor-made solutions to promote species diversity through close cooperation with planners, developers, and operators. We support you in project planning by taking into account ecological requirements and biodiversity goals as well as guidelines and procedures for sustainable solutions. We provide advice on site selection, ecological analysis, the development and implementation of measures, and their integration into the overall planning. In addition, we support the implementation of biodiversity strategies during the construction and operation phases of the solar park.

Through our planning support and implementation, we ensure that your solar park projects are not only sustainable, but also actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. 

Our services include the simulation of system designs and light availability in PV systems. Using state-of-the-art simulation software, we analyze light conditions and create precise models for the planning of PV systems. We take into account factors such as the orientation of the modules, the distance between the modules, and shading. Based on the simulation results, we develop tailor-made solutions to optimally combine energy production and the promotion of biodiversity under the PV modules. 

By simulating system designs and light availability in Biodiv-PV systems, we help you successfully combine sustainable energy production and the protection of biodiversity.

Our services include monitoring the interaction of the system with the environment and the performance of the PV system. We design and implement advanced monitoring systems to continuously monitor the operation of the Biodiv-PV system and observe the interaction between technology and the environment. Through monitoring, we can analyze important environmental parameters such as soil quality and impact on the surrounding flora and fauna as well as determine key performance indicators for the plant. We use modern sensor technologies and data analysis methods for this purpose.

Our team of experts evaluates the monitoring data and provides you with regular reports on the performance of your Biodiv PV plant.

After installation and commissioning, we carry out extensive tests to ensure that the system meets the specified performance and quality standards.

 Our team of experts checks the performance of the system and carries out comprehensive inspections and tests to identify any defects or deviations and recommend appropriate measures for optimization. 

We ensure that your Biodiv-PV system meets both electrical and environmental requirements. Once the performance review and acceptance tests have been completed, you will receive a detailed report from us with the results and recommendations.