Solar parks provide homes for rabbits, bees, and even artichokes

Solar parks are increasingly being used around the world to foster the synergy between innovative technologies and nature. Some companies are installing bird watering stations, "dormitories" for bats, and engaging in agricultural activities. These examples in Lithuania and other parts of the world demonstrate the growing potential of solar parks and their harmonious relationship with nature.?

To further enhance the synergy between solar parks and nature, the integration of animal houses or vegetable cultivation alongside these power plants is becoming more common. According to Simonas Sileikis, EMBA , Solar Business Manager at Green Genius, some countries legally require this integration as a tribute to nature. Even in the absence of such regulations, many companies choose to enable solar parks not only to generate electricity but also to foster a harmonious coexistence with nature.?

Bees and solar power plants in green areas of Lithuania are in a friendly partnership. Lithuania's first remote solar power plant, which features adjacent beehives, aims to contribute to the preservation of bee populations and biodiversity. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is essential for the survival of flora, fauna, and the global food industry.?

"In Lithuania, there are no requirements to raise animals in solar parks or create greater synergies between nature and power plants. However, we have found that bee farming fits well here. Similar examples can be seen in the United States and Canada," said Simonas Sileikis, EMBA .?

Solar parks in Lithuania are landscaped with low plants, particularly flowering ones that do not interfere with the modules, to prevent tall grass from becoming a nuisance. This type of environment proves suitable for bees, allowing them to live, work, and breed peacefully in the solar power plant located in Utena, which operates without noise disturbances.??

In Spain, solar parks are focused on caring for animals. Some countries legally oblige companies to enhance the synergies between power plants and nature. For instance, solar parks in Spain often include rabbit hutches, bird feeders, and bat dormitories. Furthermore, fences are designed not to disrupt the migration of small animals.?

"The installation of hutches for wild rabbits helps increase their population naturally. They migrate freely and settle in the safe areas provided by solar power plants. Similarly, the bat population is thriving. Local environmental departments formulate requirements to improve the living conditions of specific species, as they possess the best understanding of the local nature," stated an expert from Green Genius.?

Simonas Sileikis, EMBA highlighted another example of synergy between nature and solar power plants, which involves the use of artificial bodies of water abroad for installing floating power plants. These plants are more efficient as they benefit from natural cooling provided by the water, and the shade they create reduces water evaporation and maintains cooler temperatures. Consequently, this creates more favorable conditions for aquatic flora and small fauna.?

In Italy, there is a focus on 'agro-voltaics'. Green Genius, a renewable energy company, designs solar park areas in Italy to promote agricultural development. When designing solar plants in Italy, plant genera suitable for the specific region are carefully selected with the assistance of agricultural specialists.?

"When designing solar plants in Italy, we integrate areas for agricultural activities. These projects are prepared by agro-specialists who help us determine the appropriate crops for a particular region. In these areas, the electricity-generating modules coexist with crops like artichokes or melons, and they are referred to as 'agro-voltaic plants'," explained Simonas Sileikis, EMBA .

To facilitate this harmonious coexistence, the spacing between the rows of modules is increased to accommodate low-yielding vegetables.?

Simonas Sileikis, EMBA added that solar power plants that combine agriculture or foster synergies with nature are likely to gain more popularity worldwide in the near future.?