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

This research initiative, funded by the California Energy Commission and led by The Regents of the University of California, explores the ecological interactions between large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic solar infrastructure and below-ground environmental processes. Focused on soil carbon sequestration, native plant productivity, and habitat utilization by fossorial animals, the project seeks to understand how solar installations can simultaneously support renewable energy production and enhance ecosystem health. Conducted primarily in Davis, California, the work involves field data collection and experimental land management aimed at developing best practices for integrating ecological restoration into solar park design. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act §15306, as it constitutes basic scientific research with minimal environmental impact. The California Energy Commission oversees the effort, with Julia Harnad serving as the primary point of contact and Dr. Rebecca R. Hernandez acting as Project Manager, ensuring alignment with state priorities for sustainable land use and climate resilience. No federal acquisition regulations apply, and the contract is structured as a state-funded research agreement without detailed financial disclosures, payment instructions, or formal evaluation criteria. The ultimate goal is to generate actionable insights that inform policy and land management decisions to foster co-benefits between clean energy development and biodiversity conservation.