Solar energy installations support local bird populations in Germany and Spain

Recent studies in Germany and Spain suggest that large-scale solar energy facilities can coexist with local wildlife, specifically benefiting certain bird species.

In Hesse, Germany, a five-year survey at the Lauterbach solar park revealed that skylark territories increased from four to approximately 20. This finding addresses concerns that aggressive clean-energy expansion might displace grassland birds or harm sensitive agricultural ecosystems.

In Seville, Spain, research led by the University of Malaga documented six species of birds of prey using a 150-megawatt photovoltaic plant in the Guadalquivir valley. The species observed include the black kite, buzzard, common kestrel, red kite, booted eagle, and European owl. Researchers found that the birds utilized the solar panels, posts, and fences as vantage points to monitor terrain and hunt for prey in an area where natural elevated perches are scarce. No bird injuries or deaths from collisions were recorded during the two and a half year study.