Aligning floating photovoltaic solar energy expansion with waterbird conservation

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic solar energy presents an opportunity to mitigate climate change and spare land for other uses, including conservation. However, understanding of the effects of floating photovoltaics (FPVs) on aquatic ecosystems is currently limited. In fact, so far, only a few studies have empirically tested how wildlife responds to FPV deployment and operation. Here we present five key considerations spanning both the direct and indirect effects that FPVs can have on waterbirds and the possible ways waterbirds can interact with and directly affect FPV sites. We examine several aspects of FPVs and their deployment and operation, providing insight into FPV–waterbird dynamics, potential mitigation strategies, and viable concessions for conservation as water surfaces become a more widespread recipient environment for renewable energy. This Perspective leverages waterbirds to establish a conceptual foundation for studying wildlife interactions with floating photovoltaics (FPVs), highlighting five key considerations to guide future research on FPV–wildlife interactions.