Source of information:
https://glassalmanac.com/china-confirms-solar-panels-in-deserts-irreversibly-transform-ecosystems/
In the depths of the Tala Desert in the Qinghai Haixi Photovoltaic Park, scientists have discovered an unexpected phenomenon: the massive solar panel arrays not only generate clean electricity but are also quietly changing the local ecological environment. A newly published peer-reviewed study shows that large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations can significantly reduce surface temperature, retain soil moisture, and promote the recovery of vegetation and microbial communities through the shading effect. This finding provides a new perspective on desertification control, but scientists also warn that long-term effects still need continuous monitoring.
The research team from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environmental Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, constructed an assessment system based on the DPSIR framework with 57 indicators. The results showed that the ecological environment quality index within the photovoltaic power station reached 0.4393, rated as "moderate," while the surrounding areas ranged from 0.2858 to 0.2802, classified as "poor." This significant difference reflects the positive impact of solar infrastructure on the local microclimate, soil properties, and biodiversity.
Ecological Mechanism of the Shading Effect
The artificial shading environment created by solar panels is reshaping the energy balance of the desert surface. In year-round observations of the Gobi ecosystem, researchers found that the temperature under the panels was significantly lower during the day, evaporation was reduced, and soil moisture was better maintained. This micro-environmental change provides more favorable conditions for vegetation establishment.
Long-term monitoring data from a large photovoltaic power station in Gansu further confirms this mechanism. The research team compared temperature, relative humidity, soil temperature, and moisture content inside the panel arrays, between the rows, and at reference points outside, discovering that the photovoltaic facilities systematically altered the local water and heat cycle patterns.
Particularly noteworthy is the thermal radiation characteristics of the panels, which create a unique diurnal temperature variation pattern. During the day, the panels block most of the shortwave solar radiation, significantly lowering the surface temperature below; at night, the panels capture some long-wave thermal radiation, creating a relatively warm microenvironment. This "cooler during the day, warmer at night" temperature regulation mode creates a more stable thermal environment for desert plant growth.
Soil science research indicates that the continuous shading effect not only directly affects surface temperature but also improves the soil's water and heat conditions by reducing evaporation. In arid environments, even a slight increase in soil moisture can have a critical impact on vegetation establishment. The Qinghai study showed that soil chemical indicators and vegetation coverage scores within the photovoltaic power station were significantly higher than those in the surrounding desert areas, closely related to improved soil moisture conditions.
Unexpected Biodiversity Gains
To the surprise of scientists, the photovoltaic power stations not only improved non-biological environmental conditions but also promoted the recovery and development of biological communities. Microbial diversity surveys revealed that the soil microbial community structure in shaded areas under the panels was more complex, with significantly increased biological activity.
Vegetation survey data was even more encouraging. In the photovoltaic power stations where soil protection and soil conservation measures were implemented, the number and coverage of herbaceous plants showed a significant increase. Although this vegetation recovery cannot yet be considered a complete "ecosystem restoration," it does show that engineered shading and microclimate regulation can promote biological activity on degraded desert surfaces.
The International Alliance for Desertification Control's 2024 assessment report indicated that similar ecological effects were observed in photovoltaic power stations in the Mojave Desert of California. Local ecologists found signs of natural vegetation recovery around large solar facilities operating for over five years, including the natural colonization of some perennial shrubs.
However, experts emphasize that these positive changes highly depend on specific design and management measures. The arrangement of the panels, spacing between rows, maintenance management, and whether additional ecological conservation measures are implemented will significantly affect the final ecological outcomes.
Design Optimization and Long-Term Monitoring
As understanding of the ecological effects of photovoltaics deepens, engineers and ecologists are exploring more refined design approaches. Some research teams are trying the concept of "spatiotemporal coupling design," adjusting the orientation, spacing, and tilt angle operation schedules of the panels to precisely regulate ground-level humidity and wind field conditions.
Simulations by the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, showed that proper panel layouts can redistribute the surface energy balance, generating more sensible heat and different atmospheric mixing patterns, thereby creating small temperature differences within the local area. These effects vary depending on layout design, row spacing, and the type of surface substrate.
However, scientists also raised important long-term monitoring needs. Chinese research teams emphasized the need for decades of continuous tracking of these ecological changes: Is the gain in soil moisture and vegetation stable? Will the affected area of the panels produce external effects by altering dust or surface albedo? Do similar ecological benefits occur in other types of deserts, or are they limited to cold arid regions like Qinghai and Gansu?
New Model for Sustainable Development
These findings provide a new perspective on renewable energy development. Traditionally, it was believed that large-scale infrastructure construction would inevitably have negative impacts on the ecological environment. However, the ecological effects of photovoltaic power stations demonstrate that, under certain conditions, artificial facilities may form a synergistic effect with ecological conservation.
The International Renewable Energy Agency's 2024 "Assessment Guidelines for the Ecological Impact of Desert Photovoltaics" recommends that ecological effects should be included in comprehensive considerations when planning photovoltaic projects in desert areas. By scientifically selecting locations, designing reasonably, and managing meticulously, photovoltaic power stations can have a positive impact on the local ecological environment while providing clean electricity.
However, experts also warned against overinterpreting these findings. The term "irreversible ecosystem transformation" still requires more scientific evidence. The current research results are more accurately described as "stable but not permanent local ecological improvement."
The director of the Global Environmental Change Research Center believes that the true value of these findings lies in providing a new technical path for desertification control. By combining clean energy development with ecological restoration, humans may find innovative solutions to address the dual challenges of climate change and ecological degradation.
Future research will focus on how to maximize this synergistic effect while avoiding unintended damage to sensitive ecosystems. Only through strict scientific monitoring and adaptive management can the photovoltaic desertification control model truly achieve the goal of sustainable development.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7541684043805409844/
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