Nature Inclusive Solar Parks

Promoting biodiversity with a nature inclusive solar park

More biodiversity is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a field full of solar panels. But that’s exactly what we do with our Solar Parks by Nature. All of our nature inclusive solar parks are designed and built according to the same principles, with serious attention to nature, the enhancement of biodiversity and good integration into the landscape.

We often build our solar parks on degraded or low-value agricultural land. The biodiversity on these plots is usually low. With our new generation of solar parks by Nature, we do not only want to generate electricity, but also increase the biodiversity and natural value of the land. By applying a series of ecological design principles, we create a solar park by nature in which a wide variety of plants and species can grow.

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Nature Inclusive Solar Parks

Careful integration in the landscape and a lot of attention for local flora and fauna.

Increase natural value

With our nature inclusive solar parks we want to increase the current natural value.

Design creation of our solar parks

When designing our solar parks, we always involve a landscape architect with a green heart and an ecology expert. Together with them, we design a solar park that fits in well with the local natural situation. We look at the type of soil, the water balance and the historical situation. We also research the plants and animals that live naturally in the area. On this basis, we make a development design in which we pay close attention to a number of things:

How can we improve the natural quality of the soil?

The agricultural soil that we encounter is often geared towards maximum grass or maize yields. Other plants often do not flourish there, so biodiversity is low. It is therefore essential to reduce the degree of fertilisation of the soil. We do this by removing the fertilised top layer and or by reforestation through extensive mowing (possibly in combination with extensive grazing), and/or by increasing the water level. And, of course, making sure that light, air and water get under the solar panels.

How can we make it an attractive environment for animals?

For this we call in the help of an expert ecologist. Every location needs tailor-made advice. Perhaps most importantly, we will create green zones along or through our solar farm in the form of hedges, strips of herbs and shrubs, natural riparian zones and wadis, which will form a link with other areas in the vicinity. In addition, we will ensure that animals can move through the area using fauna passages and openings in fencing. We will also provide dense planting that is attractive for hiding and nesting as well as a source of food for birds and mammals, for example by using berry and fruit-bearing species.

How will the solar park become attractive to a wide variety of plants?

We will do this by sowing a seed mixture of local, flower-rich herbs, in combination with ecological mowing management and planting many different types of native and regional trees and shrubs.

After exploitation

Finally, we also design our nature inclusive solar parks with an eye to the future. A solar park is usually in place for 25 or 30 years. After that, we remove the installation and return the land to its former state, as agreed with the landowner. Where possible, we leave the greenery around the solar park intact. If we acquire the land ourselves, and it fits in with the environment, then after the removal of the solar park we would like to leave the land to nature. That is when we can truly speak about nature inclusive solar parks. The natural value that was created in those 25 years will then continue and can expand further.

Interested?

Sunvest is looking for agricultural entrepreneurs with parcels of land from 10 hectares. We offer a payment per hectare depending on the size of the site and the proximity of a Medium Voltage station. We take care of the development of a solar park, including permit application, connection, environmental communication, financing, construction and operation of the park.

Would you like to know more about the possibilities for a nature inclusive solar park on your land? Then please contact us: phone: +31 6 82 19 65 10 or Email: info@sunvest.solar