{"id":296703,"date":"2023-08-23T22:46:57","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T22:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/?page_id=296703"},"modified":"2025-05-01T18:19:32","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T18:19:32","slug":"research-and-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/research-and-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"Research and monitoring at our solar farms"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"block-page-title bg-color-white\">\n  <div class=\"pt-60 pt-lg-100\"><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"row\">\n      <div class=\"col-12\">\n                <h1 class=\"fg-color-gradient\">Environmental research and monitoring <\/h1>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"pt-0 pt-lg-0\"><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n  \n\n\n<section class=\"text align block_acf-block-6813bb3306c18 block bg-color-white position-relative z-1 overflow-hidden\">\n    <div class=\"pt-0 pt-lg-100\"><\/div>\n\n  \n  <div class=\"container \">\n    <div class=\"row\">\n      <div class=\"col-12\">\n        <span class=\"rich-text standard-text fg-color-navy\">\n          <h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW236474945 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW236474945 BCX0\">Solar farm, living laboratory: Participating in academic research<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW236474945 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> at our solar farms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\">In recent years, the environmental management of solar farms has become an exciting area of academic research. Several <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\">Lightsource<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\"> bp projects are <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\">participating<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\"> in studies examining the ecology and economics of utility-scale solar<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229260661 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW229260661 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"pt-0 pt-lg-0\"><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"multi-column-cards align block_acf-block-6983a5bec6879 block bg-color-white\">\n  <div class=\"pt-0 pt-lg-0\"><\/div>\n  \n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"row\">\n      <div class=\"col-12\">\n                <h3 class=\"mb-35\"><\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 mb-30\">\n  <div class=\"multi-column-cards__image-container\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/solar-grazing-research-pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-100 h-300px h-lg-350px object-fit-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.lightsourcebp.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/04\/29185310\/ElmBranch_2025_-8-2.jpg\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"text-decoration-none text-decoration-sm-underline-hover\" href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/solar-grazing-research-pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n        <h5 class=\"mt-25 mb-15 fg-color-navy\">Study: Solar and sheep create mutual benefits <\/h5>\n      <\/a>\n        <p class=\"line-height-level-6\">Research results from Nittany 1<\/p>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/solar-grazing-research-pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\">Read the study <span class=\"ml-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M1 13l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 mb-30\">\n  <div class=\"multi-column-cards__image-container\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/researching-the-benefits-of-pollinator-conservation-at-bellflower-solar\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-100 h-300px h-lg-350px object-fit-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.lightsourcebp.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/01222944\/reduced-size-6A7A1555.jpg\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"text-decoration-none text-decoration-sm-underline-hover\" href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/researching-the-benefits-of-pollinator-conservation-at-bellflower-solar\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n        <h5 class=\"mt-25 mb-15 fg-color-navy\">Researching the benefits of pollinator conservation at Bellflower Solar<\/h5>\n      <\/a>\n        <p class=\"line-height-level-6\">Advancing research on pollinator habitat at solar facilities is essential for understanding the benefits of co-located conservation, as well as practical implementation strategies. The Pollinator Habitat Aligned with Solar Energy (PHASE) study, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO), will measure ecological benefits of varying types of pollinator habitat at utility- scale solar projects across the Midwest, including Bellflower, in addition to photovoltaic performance and costs.     <\/p>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/researching-the-benefits-of-pollinator-conservation-at-bellflower-solar\/\" target=\"_blank\">Read the case study <span class=\"ml-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M1 13l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 mb-30\">\n  <div class=\"multi-column-cards__image-container\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/solar-farm-living-laboratory-lightsource-bps-nittany-solar-projects-in-pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-100 h-300px h-lg-350px object-fit-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.lightsourcebp.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/07\/07012449\/Nittany-1_sheep-and-our-director-of-agrivoltaics.jpg\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"text-decoration-none text-decoration-sm-underline-hover\" href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/solar-farm-living-laboratory-lightsource-bps-nittany-solar-projects-in-pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n        <h5 class=\"mt-25 mb-15 fg-color-navy\">Research at Lightsource bp&#8217;s Nittany Solar projects in Pennsylvania<\/h5>\n      <\/a>\n        <p class=\"line-height-level-6\">In recent years, the environmental management of solar farms has become an exciting area of academic research, to assess how different practices affect the productivity of solar and agricultural enterprises and the land on which they operate. Two studies seeking to answer research questions around these topics are currently underway at Lightsource bp\u2019s Nittany 1, 2 and 3 solar projects in Pennsylvania.    <\/p>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/news\/solar-farm-living-laboratory-lightsource-bps-nittany-solar-projects-in-pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\">Read the case study <span class=\"ml-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M1 13l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n                  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"pt-60 pt-lg-100\"><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"text align block_acf-block-6983a5bec6df3 block bg-color-white position-relative z-1 overflow-hidden\">\n    <div class=\"pt-0 pt-lg-100\"><\/div>\n\n  \n  <div class=\"container \">\n    <div class=\"row\">\n      <div class=\"col-12\">\n        <span class=\"rich-text standard-text fg-color-navy\">\n          <h3 aria-level=\"2\">Monitoring long-term soil health improvements<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We aim to create a healthy, resilient and full cover of plant species over the ground at our solar farms. We use agronomic science to choose seed mixes that improve soil quality, stability and water holding capacity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"pt-0 pt-lg-0\"><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"multi-column-cards align block_acf-block-6813bb3307728 block bg-color-white\">\n  <div class=\"pt-60 pt-lg-100\"><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"row\">\n      <div class=\"col-12\">\n                <h3 class=\"mb-35\">Learn more about our Responsible Solar approach to environmental sustainability<\/h3>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 mb-30\">\n  <div class=\"multi-column-cards__image-container\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/\" >\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-100 h-300px h-lg-350px object-fit-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.lightsourcebp.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/08\/23215539\/2-3.png\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"text-decoration-none text-decoration-sm-underline-hover\" href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/\" >\n        <h5 class=\"mt-25 mb-15 fg-color-navy\">Environment<\/h5>\n      <\/a>\n        <p class=\"line-height-level-6\">Learn how we&#039;re maximizing the environmental sustainability of our solar projects <\/p>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/\" >Learn more <span class=\"ml-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M1 13l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 mb-30\">\n  <div class=\"multi-column-cards__image-container\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/agrivoltaics\/\" >\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-100 h-300px h-lg-350px object-fit-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.lightsourcebp.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/06\/12232826\/Impact_Solar_0968_1000px.jpg\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"text-decoration-none text-decoration-sm-underline-hover\" href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/agrivoltaics\/\" >\n        <h5 class=\"mt-25 mb-15 fg-color-navy\">Agrivoltaics<\/h5>\n      <\/a>\n        <p class=\"line-height-level-6\">Learn how we&#039;re integrating agriculture onto solar farms. <\/p>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/agrivoltaics\/\" >Learn more <span class=\"ml-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M1 13l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4 mb-30\">\n  <div class=\"multi-column-cards__image-container\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-100 h-300px h-lg-350px object-fit-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.lightsourcebp.com\/app\/uploads\/2022\/04\/27112522\/Bluebonnets-800x539-1.jpg\" \/>\n          <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"text-decoration-none text-decoration-sm-underline-hover\" href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n        <h5 class=\"mt-25 mb-15 fg-color-navy\">Biodiversity &#038; Habitat Conservation<\/h5>\n      <\/a>\n        <p class=\"line-height-level-6\">Learn about our commitment to increasing biodiversity at each of our solar projects<\/p>\n        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/responsible-solar\/environment\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more <span class=\"ml-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"8\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M1 13l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n                  <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"pt-60 pt-lg-100\"><\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":0,"parent":272193,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-296703","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/296703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=296703"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/296703\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":481681,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/296703\/revisions\/481681"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/272193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=296703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}