Flockin' on the Sun

As energy demand continues to grow, it is necessary to recognize that reliance on non-renewable sources will not be sustainable for the future. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) projects, or installations of PV systems on bodies of water, are one of many novel solutions to the energy crisis that have been recognized as a potential means of meeting increased energy demand while also providing benefits such as land-sparing for agriculture and improved water quality (Cagle et al., 2020; Exley et al. 2021). My dissertation research aims to answer the following overarching research question: 

Can FPV technology be developed and operated in a manner that poses minimal threat to the environment

and its species, while simultaneously advancing society’s urgent need to transition to renewable energy?"

I am tackling this research question through three closely related projects; A systematic review of the published FPV siting literature to understand how ecological variables (e.g. migration patterns, protected areas) are accounted for in the FPV site selection process, a long-term spatial and behavioral analysis of bird species on and around established FPV arrays, and image analysis to track the spatial distribution of wildlife soiling on an array.

By understanding the interface between solar energy development and bird conservation, this research will inform design and implementation standards that harmonize global climate change goals.