About Us
We are a team of researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and partner organizations dedicated to understanding the interactions between large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facilities and avian populations across multiple U.S. regions. Our project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of avian-solar interactions.
Our study integrates sensing technologies such as video and acoustic sensors with traditional field methods to collect data at PV sites. We will quantify avian mortality rates and identify causal mechanisms through the analysis of video and photographic data. Additionally, acoustic recorders will be used to quantify avian diversity. We will analyze these multiple data streams using machine-learning models, ethograms, and statistical analyses to understand how avian mortality, behavior, diversity, and abundance at PV sites varies across geographic regions and seasons.
Our primary objectives are to better understand the magnitude and mechanisms of avian mortality at PV sites in multiple regions across the U.S. and evaluate how PV sites influence avian ecology. Our field work will include conventional systematic fatality surveys and continuous sensor-monitoring at PV sites in six different regions across the U.S.
Partnering with academic institutions, environmental consulting firms, and other organizations, we are committed to developing a thorough understanding of avian-solar interactions and supporting the design of responsible and effective photovoltaic solar energy facilities.