Assessment of the impact of photovoltaic power plants on entomofauna and plant diversity

Photovoltaic systems are a rapidly developing technology that plays a crucial role in the transition to clean energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to take into account their potential impacts on the environment and biodiversity, especially when they are built on agricultural lands and natural areas with a high conservation status.
The present study aims to investigate the impact of photovoltaic parks on plant and insect diversity, for which purpose several PV plants in different parts of Bulgaria were surveyed. Insect fauna was sampled using an entomological bag, and individuals were preserved in 75% ethanol and taxonomically identified. Vegetation was described in field protocols. The results obtained were processed with appropriate mathematical programs. The impact of the installed PV panels on both the number and other ecological parameters (density, diversity index, evenness index, similarity index, etc.) of the studied communities is clearly evident, as well as the differences in the intensity of the impact for different areas of PV plants. In conclusion, it can be summarized that the needs for significant areas for the construction of photovoltaic installations, changes in land use and land cover are a significant problem for environmental protection and biodiversity. One of the significant impacts of the construction of PV plants on the environment is related to the change in the way of land use, primarily through the construction of the modules and accompanying facilities, as well as through the maintenance of open spaces around them by grazing or mowing. The latter is necessary to limit the shading caused by the growing vegetation, as well as for fire safety reasons. In this way, subsequent structural and biocenotic changes are initiated, leading to a decrease in species richness, habitat reduction, changes in abiotic factors, etc.