Solar energy in the desert - presentation

A presentation titled, "Solar energy in the desert: Ecological impacts of utility-scale photovoltaic facilities in the rapid renewable energy transition" by Claire Karban, USGS, Seth Munson, USGS, Jeffrey Lovich, USGS Emeritus, Lara Kobelt, BLM, Juan Pinos, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Matt Petrie, University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Summary: This presentation describes research on soil and plant communities impacted by utility-scale solar energy (USSE) development in the Desert Southwest, USA. Topics include: 1) Effects of facility construction on soils and vegetation, 2) Solar panel microclimates and annual plant diversity responses to these novel environments, and 3) A framework for predicting plant and wildlife responses to USSE development based on traits and response strategies. This research highlights the importance of USSE facility construction and design for minimizing long-term negative impacts to ecosystem functioning, as well as the influence of underlying plant and soil characteristics in shaping ecosystem responses.