Polenergia Group has embarked on an innovative collaboration with scientists from the University of Zielona Góra, who conducted over a year of environmental research focused on observing the flora and fauna at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm Complex.
The study extensively analyzed the vegetation within the complex, as well as selected insect groups, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and emerging mammals, including bats. This research continued previous observations that started in December 2021. The fieldwork was specifically aimed at assessing how various species of animals use the land, with particular attention to wintering birds of prey and protected invertebrates. The study also considered changes in land use by comparing the conditions before and after the construction of the Photovoltaic Farm Complex.
The goal of this work was to examine how the farm area is utilized by living organisms and to compare biodiversity development with adjacent areas.
The annual research conducted by scientists from the University of Zielona Góra, spanning from April 2023 to April 2024, focused on monitoring and analyzing the use of infrastructure elements at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm Complex by birds of prey. In 2024, Polenergia installed two special observation posts for raptors on the farm’s premises, specifically designed for the local populations of buzzards and owls. These tall “T”-shaped structures are the highest elements on the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm and provide crucial support for flying predators. They allow the birds to save energy that would otherwise be expended on active patrol flights.
The results of the field studies will be presented in a scientific publication on supporting biodiversity on large-scale photovoltaic farms, accompanied by a best practice code, using PV Sulechów as an example. In 2025, researchers from the University of Zielona Góra will continue their studies on insects at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farm Complex.