New research from William & Mary graduate student Bryce Donaghue suggests that solar farms can support local ecosystems if managed with biodiversity in mind. Donaghue studied bat activity around solar panels and found that vegetation supporting pollinators attracted more insects, which in turn drew bats to feed. Traditional solar farms often have cleared or turf-covered land, limiting insect and bat activity. However, Donaghue’s preliminary data, based on over 70,000 sound recordings, indicate that pollinator-friendly habitats under and around solar panels increase bat presence. The findings could reshape how renewable energy developers design and maintain solar farms, turning them into dual-purpose sites that generate clean energy while supporting wildlife. The study highlights the potential for solar infrastructure to coexist with and even enhance local flora and fauna.