New research from Colorado State University and Cornell University shows that the presence of solar panels in Colorado’s grasslands may reduce water stress, improve soil moisture levels and – particularly during dry years – increase plant growth by about 20% or more compared to open fields. The findings were published in Environmental Research Letters this week. The paper outlines the potential benefits and challenges when photovoltaic (PV) arrays are located in grassland ecosystems. The findings are particularly relevant when considering drought in the arid west and the potential for future climate change. … Colorado’s semi-arid grasslands often need more water than is available through precipitation in each season. The team found that plants beneath and around the solar systems in that environment benefited from partial shading and additional water that collects on panels – aiding in their fight to survive during the harsh summer months.