Stacking Ecological and Technological Benefits at Large, Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Solar Parks: Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration, Biodiversity, and Photovo

The California Energy Commission has issued solicitation EPC-25-003 for a research project titled Stacking Ecological and Technological Benefits at Large, Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Solar Parks, to be performed by The Regents of the University of California in Davis, California. The primary objective of this research is to investigate how ground-mounted photovoltaic infrastructure affects below-ground ecological processes, specifically focusing on soil carbon sequestration, native plant productivity, and the habitat utilization of fossorial animals. The project aims to develop best practice recommendations for integrating native vegetation and habitat conservation into solar energy landscapes to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The project is classified as a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15306, as it involves basic scientific research and data collection that does not cause significant environmental disturbance. Administrative oversight is provided by the California Energy Commission, with Julia Harnad serving as the Sustainable Energy Specialist and Dr. Rebecca R. Hernandez acting as the Project Manager. While the project is posted as a forecast with a date of July 24, 2025, specific financial values, detailed delivery schedules, and formal federal acquisition regulations are not applicable as this is a state-funded research initiative.