Wildlife & Solar Farms – What You Need to Know
If you're a landowner who cares about wildlife, you're not alone. For many rural families, the land isn’t just property—it’s a living habitat. It’s home to deer, birds, foxes, and pollinators. So when a solar company shows interest in your acreage, it’s natural to ask:
“What happens to the wildlife if I lease this land for a solar farm?”
The good news is that, when done right, solar farms can actually protect and support wildlife, not push it out. In fact, more and more solar developers—and landowners like you—are making decisions that help native species, protect habitats, and create safe environments for pollinators and animals alike.
Let’s take a look at the facts.
The Common Concern
Some folks picture a solar farm and imagine a dead zone: all vegetation gone, fences everywhere, animals displaced.
And it’s true—not all solar farms are built with wildlife in mind. But that’s changing fast.
Today’s solar projects are increasingly designed to work with nature, not against it. Landowners now have the opportunity to make sure their lease not only preserves habitat—but actually enhances it.
What Really Happens on a Solar Site
Here’s what a typical solar farm looks like once construction is finished:
Rows of solar panels are mounted a few feet off the ground.
The land underneath is planted with native grasses or ground cover to reduce erosion.
The perimeter may be fenced, but the design usually includes wildlife corridors for small animals and safe nesting areas.
No emissions, no noise, no lights—just clean energy and minimal disturbance.
Compare that to traditional development like commercial buildings or subdivisions. Solar is far less invasive. There are no parking lots, no rooftops, and no concrete pads covering the entire site.
In short: the land remains land.
Wildlife and Solar – What the Research Says
Let’s dig into the real data—because there’s plenty of it.
A 2020 report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that solar farms with native vegetation improve local ecosystems, support pollinators, and reduce soil erosion.¹
Research from the University of Illinois showed that ground-nesting birds like quail and meadowlarks use solar fields as habitat—especially those seeded with native wildflowers and grasses.²
A peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Research Letters confirmed that when solar farms include pollinator-friendly plants, they attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects—essential for healthy farms nearby.³
The Audubon Society and other conservation groups support well-managed solar development as a net positive for wildlife, especially in areas at risk of sprawl or monoculture farming.⁴
So no—solar farms don’t destroy wildlife. When managed thoughtfully, they can create safe, quiet, stable habitats for animals that have fewer and fewer places to go.
What About Fencing and Larger Animals?
Some landowners are worried about fences keeping deer or other large mammals from passing through. In many cases, developers work with landowners to install wildlife-friendly fencing, which includes:
Raised gaps at the bottom to allow smaller animals to move freely
Wider spacing to reduce injury risks
Wildlife corridors—essentially breaks in the fencing—that allow safe passage in and out
Solar farms aren’t meant to be fortresses. In fact, many animals adapt quickly and continue to use the land after construction is finished.
Co-Use: Supporting Wildlife While Earning Income
If protecting wildlife is important to you, you can include wildlife support practices in your lease negotiations.
For example, many landowners now request:
Pollinator Habitat Plans – Seed mixes tailored to attract bees and butterflies
Grazing Rights – Allowing sheep to graze under the panels, which reduces mowing and supports animal husbandry
Bird-Friendly Landscaping – Including perches, cover crops, and low-noise areas
Habitat Buffers – Setting aside border zones for undisturbed growth or water features
At K2 Renew, we’ve worked with landowners to implement all of the above—and more. You can earn passive income from your land while still protecting the species that live on it.
What Happens When the Lease Ends?
Here’s another reason not to worry: solar farms are temporary land uses.
Unlike development that clears and paves, solar infrastructure can be fully removed when the lease ends—usually after 25 to 40 years. The lease includes a decommissioning plan, where the developer takes everything out and restores the land.
That means no permanent damage, no lost habitat, and no concrete to rip up. In many cases, the soil and vegetation are healthier than when the project began—thanks to reduced tilling, lower traffic, and decades of rest.
K2 Renew’s Commitment to Conservation
At K2 Renew, we take wildlife seriously. We're not just leasing land—we’re partnering with landowners who care about their property and their ecosystems.
When we develop a solar project, we look for ways to preserve the natural balance:
Using vegetation experts to plan site-friendly ground cover
Respecting seasonal activity of wildlife during construction
Supporting landowner-led conservation goals
Including decommissioning clauses that restore the site fully
We don’t believe in forcing landowners to choose between profit and preservation. With the right plan, you can have both.
Quick Recap – Wildlife & Solar Farms
Solar farms do not ruin wildlife habitat—and can actually improve it
With native grasses and proper planning, panels support birds, insects, and small mammals
Larger wildlife can be accommodated with thoughtful fencing and corridors
Pollinator programs and grazing add biodiversity and land health
When the lease ends, the land is restored—nothing is permanent
K2 Renew helps landowners protect both income and habitat
Join Our Upcoming Webinar – ‘Solar’s Impact on Rural Landowners’
Still have questions about how solar affects your land, your community, and your wildlife?
Join us for our free webinar, Solar’s Impact on Rural Landowners. We’ll walk through the facts, bust the myths, and share how landowners just like you are protecting what matters—while building a more secure future.
Reserve your spot now and bring your questions. We’ll be there with answ
