Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Have A Hidden Benefit — And It Has Nothing To Do With Electricity

There's no doubt as to the benefits that solar gives us, whether that be for our homes or our businesses. Once you're past the initial investment, having a source of energy that takes advantage of Mother Nature is a win-win. The most obvious place to install solar panels is on the roof of your home, where they'll get maximum sunlight exposure and have no impact to the spaces around your property. For those that do have extra room around their home, though, there are several benefits to installing solar panels at ground level, one of which can give back to the very environment that is giving you the energy you need.

While going for ground-mounted solar panels often enables you to position them optimally to soak up the sunlight, these systems also create perfect pollinator-friendly ecosystems. It's all about the empty space that sits directly below the panels, where mowers don't reach and foot traffic doesn't disturb. If you have a large yard with the extra space for a ground-mounted solar panel system, you'll not only be showing your neighbors that you care about the environment, but you'll actually be making a tangible difference. Bee species are key benefactors here, especially at a time where bees are now dying faster than ever across the country. So, if you're looking to turn your solar system into the bee's knees, go for a ground-mounted system if you have the room. Mother Nature will thank you for it.

Under these ground-mounted solar panel systems, plants that'll keep your garden full of pollinators can thrive, attracting helpers like butterflies and bees. As these pollinator populations increase in size thanks to the new habitat that's been created, they'll support nearby agriculture and food production. Looking at the science of it all, there are several studies that have been carried out that give us tangible evidence of this. It's not simply a matter of installing the solar system and waiting for nature to do its thing — for this eco-conscious design tip to actually work, it requires getting your hands a little dirty as well. You'll need to introduce native vegetation into the space by adding pollinator-friendly plants under and around the panels.

Start by removing the existing vegetation from the area. It'll be easier to do this as prep for the panel installation, focusing on removing grass you may have planted or any weeds that have taken over. Make sure that you don't disturb the soil too much, as this can disrupt the structure and reduce the chances of the pollinator-attracting plants taking hold. Next, you'll need to start planting. Chat with your local garden center about which native plants are best for your region and when to plant them — this differs from area to area. After that point, a seasonal mow and some occasional weeding while things are getting established should make up the bulk of your care. With pollinator-friendly solar energy sites, much like the 1989 film "Field of Dreams," if you build it, they will come!