As part of a joint project with the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), which is financially supported by TA ČR and the European Union (NextGenerationEU), and involves Photon Energy, we are pleased to present a brief overview of our biological research findings.
The project, titled “Optimizing Biodiversity Support for Solar Parks in the Open Landscape,” explores how solar parks can serve as biodiversity havens in an otherwise predominantly monocultural landscape.
During 2024 and 2025, monitoring was conducted at 17 photovoltaic power plants across the Czech Republic to determine how these areas support local nature.
What have we discovered at the power plants?
The results so far confirm that solar parks function as rich habitats:
- Plants: A total of 193 species have been identified, including those in shaded areas directly under the solar panels.
- Birds: The research team recorded 50 species. Among the most interesting finds are the endangered European Honey Buzzard and Red-backed Shrike, as well as the Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
- Insects and Arachnids: Approximately 8,000 arthropod individuals were identified, including 8 species of butterflies, 14 species of hoverflies, and over 100 species of bugs and spiders.
A unique find was the bug Acetropis longirostris (recorded for the first time in Bohemia), and at our Komorovice plant, the occurrence of the highly endangered Large Copper butterfly (Lycaena dispar) was confirmed.
From monitoring to action
The data collected is being used to design specific steps to support biodiversity. At Photon Energy's pilot site in Komorovice in the Czech Republic, we have already planted native shrubs, established a flower meadow using regional seeds, and installed insect hotels and nesting walls for solitary bees.
Current results confirm that, with proper care, solar parks can become genuine havens of life in the landscape.
The project "Optimizing Biodiversity Support for Solar Parks in the Open Landscape" (No. SS07020239) is supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and the EU Environment for Life program.
