Solar power is a growing business promising clean energy and development for a rural economy. But solar installations can be much more. By planting a compatible, diverse mix of flowers and grasses we can also create habitat for wildlife. To facilitate the creation of pollinator-friendly solar installations, universities, states, and non-profit organizations have teamed up to create meaningful guidelines.
Our team at the University of Wisconsin – Madison has developed an easy-to-use guide for best-management practices appropriate for Wisconsin.
The guide we provide is aimed at improving pollinator habitat by:
- Increasing the abundance and diversity of flowering plants in the landscape.
- Minimizing pesticide exposure to pollinators.
- Providing a system to evaluate the establishment and development of high-quality pollinator habitat