Study Finds Water Deprived Grasslands Could Benefit From Solar Shade

(Adobe Stock via Prairie News Service)

(By Mike Moen. Prairie News Service ) – In 2026, North Dakota could see construction of its first utility-scale solar farm and as it dips its toes into this form of renewables, researchers are out with findings about the connection between solar panel shade and water-starved grasslands.

A study led by experts with Colorado State University said in dry years, partial shade from panels increases plant growth by about 20%. North Dakota has an abundance of grasslands, including drought-tolerant species, but the state just emerged from a lengthy dry period.

Matt Sturchio, postdoctoral associate at Cornell University and faculty affiliate at Colorado State University, who helped author the study, said the findings suggested a balanced approach in utilizing this tool beyond capturing energy from the sun.

“We need more natural ecosystems than solar development can facilitate,” Sturchio pointed out. “But I do think that there are plenty of opportunities where solar development can actually be the key to unlocking the opportunity for more restoration in some of these spaces.”