Shedding light on biodiversity: reviewing existing knowledge and exploring hypothesised impacts of agrophotovoltaics.

Abstract

The growing demand for energy and the shift towards green energy solutions have led to the conversion of open spaces and agricultural fields into photovoltaic (PV) power plants, exacerbating the "food-energy-environment" trilemma. Agrophotovoltaics (APVs), a dual-use system combining agriculture and energy production on the same land, presents a potential solution to this challenge. While the environmental impacts of ground-mounted utility-scale PV (USPV) power plants and the effects of APV systems on agricultural yields have been extensively studied and reviewed, the implications for wildlife and biodiversity remain largely unexplored. This knowledge gap is pressing, given the accelerated global adoption of APV systems and the urgency of understanding their broader ecological consequences. In this concise review, we synthesise existing literature on the impacts of USPV installations on biodiversity and the effects of APV on crop production. Building on these foundations, we propose novel hypotheses concerning the potential pathways and mechanisms through which APV systems may influence biodiversity. We explore the complex interactions between agroecosystems and natural ecosystems, examining both direct and indirect effects. Our review culminates in a set of key research questions designed to guide future studies on the biodiversity outcomes of APV deployment. Future research should comprehensively address factors such as habitat type, climate, spatial scale, technology, and agricultural practices, as well as the overarching impacts of climate change. By highlighting the importance of these variables, we aim to facilitate a nuanced understanding of how APV systems can either support or undermine biodiversity. This work not only underscores the critical need for empirical studies in this emerging field but also sets the stage for more informed and sustainable implementation of APV technologies.