Photovoltaic solar panels and wetland park

Can a ground mount photovoltaic system be installed on a wetland site?

In this study, a techno-economic analysis has been performed for the installation of a ground mount photovoltaic system on two different sites with major wetland proponents, while incorporating wetland and surrounding dryland. The designs are focused on minimum disturbance of the wetland and its ecological system.

Are solar panels a wetland impact?

In the past, the posts/pilings that are used to install solar arrays have not been considered a wetland impact that would require compensatory mitigation under the WCA. The reality is that solar arrays bring wetlands into non-aquatic use and may, or may, not negatively impact the wetland’s quality or function.

Can wetlands be used for photovoltaic power plants?

The techno-economic feasibility of incorporating up to 20 % wetlands for the installation of photovoltaic power plants is presented in this study. Two sites with major wetland coverage were analyzed. The following are the conclusions drawn from the study:

Should solar panels be installed on posts/pilings in wetlands?

To help local governments evaluate the potential impacts to a wetland’s function and value, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) issued guidance that provides a suggested approach for evaluating projects when they involve the installation of solar panels on posts/pilings in wetlands.

Can wetlands be used for PV systems?

This shows that, within the framework of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (WCA) 1989, it is not only viable to use wetlands for PV systems, in fact for the selected area, but a cost-competitive PV system can also be developed with disturbing more than 20 % of the wetland area.

Can a wetland Solar System be economically viable?

The designs that utilize the wetland up to 20 %, have low installation costs of $ 2.3 million, high energy generation of more than 2 GWh/yr, and have LCOE of $87/MWh which is lesser than LAZARD’s LCOE for solar PV Community systems based on dryland. Thus developing economically viable PV systems within the existing WCA framework is possible.