Our solar parks do not only contribute to the energy transition in Germany. Regarding the increasing land consumption, they are becoming important retreat areas for insects. On the occasion of the first World Bee Day on May 20th, here are seven reasons why solar parks are the ideal habitat for Maya the Bee and her co-workers.
1. In Bavaria, 13 hectares of surface is sealed every day. Against this background, protected open spaces are becoming more important as living environment for wild and honey bees.
2. In many cases, former intensively managed areas are converted to solar parks. After a short period of time, a recovery of the soil and a reintroduction of various animal and plant species can be observed.
3. The foundations for the solar modules are rammed, not concreted. Therefore, the unsealed soil can recover – over a period of 20 years!
4. Herbicides are not used in solar parks. This not only protects the bees from being poisoned, but also ensures a very high quality of the honey.
5. Bees that settle in the solar park also fly into surrounding areas that benefit from pollination.
6. During the natural seasons course, different wild herbs and wildflowers will bloom. Therefore in a solar park bees will always find sufficient food supply.
7. Beekeepers need safe locations for the hives. In a solar park, the hives are on fenced ground and thus protected from disturbances, vandalism and theft.
Open space solar parks do much more than generate environmentally friendly electricity. They can create new habitats with a far-reaching effect for the surrounding agricultural land and previously contaminated or sealed surfaces can recover naturally.
I have often wondered if solar parks could be used for other things. This sounds like a wonderful idea.