Partial Shading by Solar Panels Delays Bloom, Increases Floral Abundance During the Late‑Season for Pollinators in a Dryland, Agrivoltaic Ecosystem

This report investigates the effects of solar arrays on plant composition, bloom timing and foraging behavior of pollinators from June to September (after peak bloom) in full shade plots and partial shade plots under solar panels as well as in full sun plots (controls) outside of the solar panels. The report shows the results of studying various shade plots and their affect on pollinating insects and their ability to achieve a late-season forage. This late-season foraging behavior is especially crucial for certain pollinating insects in water-limited environments.