The importance of enhancing biodiversity

We believe renewable energy projects and conventional farming can work together in harmonious partnership

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Our team members have been at the forefront of enhancing biodiversity alongside solar projects since the solar industry emerged in the UK

A considered approach

Biodiversity is about so much more than planting a few wildflower seeds and adding sheep. It takes a systematic approach to positively impact the wider farming landscape. Our team members’ experience in delivering solar farms that work in harmony with nature and farmers has deepened with every project that they have delivered. We know what solutions work, where they work and why they work.

Multiple benefits

Our aim is to achieve three goals: energy generation, agricultural production and biodiversity enhancement. Early stage planning is crucial in achieving our goals, which is why we collaborate with industry-recognised partners to survey, plan, design, implement and manage solutions from the outset.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different local authority policies, varying land or soil types, land classifications, farming practices, environmental pressures and operational challenges all impact on the most suitable solution. Our team’s wealth of experience ensures that we have the ability and agility to meet all these factors.

We also commit to delivering and managing our biodiversity solutions in their entirety once the solar park is constructed.

Robust evidence

An effective biodiversity enhancement plan has far-reaching benefits for both nature and neighbouring agricultural yields. Solar parks reduce the amount of fertiliser and chemicals needed, whilst increasing the amount of ‘natural’ habitat and varied grasslands.

Research shows that this significantly boosts soil carbon storage and nutrient cycling, as well as increasing numbers of invertebrates, pollinators and wildlife in the local environment.

But we don’t stop there. We are also developing solutions that combine Agri-PV with the production of food and energy. Agri-PV systems enable the use of higher-grade land for hand sowing and harvesting crops, such as asparagus. And when used alongside solar arrays, it makes for a much more symbiotic use of land.

Energy biodiversity

We work closely with our farming partners on all our projects to better improve their energy yield, crop production and biodiversity. Only through collaboration can we address the need to generate renewable energy, alongside the ever-growing demand for secure and sustainable food production.

At Exagen, we passionately believe that solar and storage projects can become a positive asset within the wider farming system. Our commitment to our partners and to nature can bring significant benefits for farming yields, biodiversity and climate change mitigation, as well as increasing financial returns for farming communities.