Environmental Impacts

The greatest potential impacts to soil health from solar projects typically occur during construction and decommissioning, when heavy equipment and soil disturbance can increase soil compaction and erosion. Developers can reduce these impacts by minimizing grading and topsoil movement and following best management practices during construction. See the Wisconsin DNR’s Best Management Practices for Solar Energy Projects for additional ways to minimize soil damage during construction. 

Solar projects can affect water resources differently depending on site conditions and management practices. Construction and decommissioning pose the greatest risks due to soil disturbance and compaction, which can increase runoff and erosion. These impacts can be reduced by following best management practices such as the Great Plains Institute’s Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project. When solar replaces row crops and sites are planted with perennial, deep-rooted vegetation, projects can improve water quality and reduce runoff and erosion.

The impact of solar projects on habitat and wildlife depends on the condition of the land before construction. In previously cultivated areas, habitat can improve if native or pollinator-friendly vegetation is added after construction. Careful siting, permeable fencing, and wildlife corridors can help minimize disruption to wildlife movement. Tools like The Nature Conservancy’s interactive Site Renewables Right map can help identify critical wildlife areas and support informed site planning decisions. 

Solar development reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants associated with fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Life cycle analyses show that large-scale solar projects produce approximately 90% lower emissions than natural gas, helping reduce climate change impacts.