Ecological impacts of utility-scale solar farms in Pennsylvania

Keywords: solar, ecology, political ecology
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Thousands of acres of farmland and coal mine land in Pennsylvania are being turned into utility-scale solar farms. Long term ecological effects of solar developments and the potential for land restoration is still not fully understood. Despite this, it is apparent that there are ecological impacts experienced by local communities and wildlife. Large-scale solar installation leads to habitat loss, migration disruptions, and wildlife fatalities from both fencing and solar panels. More specifically, a variety of species have exhibited a multitude of abnormalities in behavior at solar sites, including habitat avoidance, flight alteration, and reduced foraging. In the broader context of political ecology, the effects of large-scale solar can be considered as “sacrifice zones,” where social and ecological costs may take toll in one area for a greater environmental benefit in another. This research analyzes how solar farms wield ecological impacts and affect bat populations with a focus on Northumberland County, PA, where a utility-scale solar project is currently being developed.