Solar Pollinator Habitat Working For You

You already know how solar energy is good for our environment. But you might be interested in taking your solar installations a step further by using them to enhance pollinator habitat and biodiversity. Check out our brochure to see the benefits of pollinator habitat for both the solar industry and for pollinators, and how we can help you create a successful habitat. Our Solar Consultation Team will help with all steps, from planning, to installation, to long-term maintenance. Please share this brochure with your solar industry network and together, we can have clean energy with thriving ecosystems.

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In this document, The Nature Conservancy in Illinois and Pollinator Partnership offer guidance on smart siting principles and solar habitat co-location to ensure win–win results for Illinois’ transition to clean energy. The guide is intended to improve multiple outcomes, benefiting long-term environmental and community health as well as solar operations and management.

Solar power is a key source of renewable energy that is expanding rapidly in Illinois. As the solar footprint grows to achieve a 100% clean energy economy in the state by 2050, Illinois will have to use smart planning and management strategies to sustainably meet energy production needs. Solar energy developers, operators, and buyers have a unique opportunity to serve as community and industry leaders by incorporating responsible environmental practices into renewable energy systems.

Planting beneficial vegetation under and around solar arrays can provide critical habitat for native pollinator species like the iconic monarch butterfly. In addition to supporting biodiversity on the landscape, co-locating pollinator-friendly habitat in solar installations can yield multiple benefits for solar energy operations and management.

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