Climate Connections Solar farms can bloom with life, not just energy
Oct 27, 2025
Andy Grinstead, a representative from the Pollinator Partnership, shares his expertise on creating innovative solar farms that double as habitats for wildlife. He discusses the benefits of planting wildflowers instead of grass, which supports pollinators like bees and butterflies. Essential plant species such as milkweed, coneflowers, and bee balm are highlighted for their ecological impact. Additionally, the conversation touches on how native plants can reduce runoff and decrease maintenance costs, making solar sites more sustainable.
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Plant Pollinator-Friendly Vegetation
- Design solar sites with pollinator-friendly plants instead of turfgrass or gravel.
- Establishing native wildflowers saves mowing and maintenance costs over time.
Pollinator Partnership Works With Solar Sites
- The Pollinator Partnership helps landowners and solar developers create habitat under and around panels.
- They highlight milkweed for monarchs and coneflowers and bee balm for bees.
Diversity Extends Blooms And Benefits Soil
- A diverse mix of native plants attracts different pollinator species and extends bloom times.
- Deep-rooted natives also improve soil water absorption, reducing runoff and erosion.