Utility-scale solar energy facilities – Effects on invertebrates in an arid environment

Attempts to reduce carbon emissions have seen a growth in renewable energy developments globally. “Green” alternatives also have impacts for biodiversity, but few studies assess the effects of solar energy facilities on invertebrate communities. We investigated effects of a concentrated solar power (CSP) trough facility on invertebrate communities in the arid Northern Cape province of South Africa. Epigaeic and flying invertebrates were sampled using pitfall and sticky traps in three habitats: solar field, power block and surrounding rangeland. There were no significant differences in abundance or order richness in either epigaeic or flying invertebrate communities across the three habitats. Shannon diversity was significantly lower in rangeland plots for epigaeic invertebrates, and significantly greater in solar field for flying invertebrates. Despite the lack of significant differences in order richness or abundance, community composition of both invertebrate groups differed significantly between habitats, but the two habitats within the plant only differed for epigaeic invertebrate assemblages. Differences in invertebrate densities and composition demonstrate an effect of construction of the facility on invertebrate communities. While facilities may have relatively small footprints, the rate at which the industry is expanding internationally suggests that further research on impacts and mitigation measures is needed.