Solar Panels vs Solar Parks

Renewable energy methods, in general and solar in particular, are critical to the process of reversing climate change. Certainly solar has its place moving us away from fossil fuels for alternative energy, but it doesn’t necessarily belong in all places.

Take for example on open lands, sometimes called “idle” (undeveloped) lands. Might it be better to let nature do the work to heal the earth by creating a tree canopy. Specifically this supports the way to rehydrating California as discussed in previous blogs.

In the included graphic, I’ve tried to make this case by comparing the renewable energy source, solar array*, in open lands, to the regenerative potential which tree canopies (solar parks) can have in these same spaces.

It may seem like a conflict to advocate for one over the other, since both contribute to positive change we so clearly need. I just want to point the way to the less extractive, impactful and manufactured solutions to environmental issues where possible…which nature knows how to do if we listen to it.

*A solar array starts with solar cells – or photovoltaic cells – which are grouped together to make solar panels. The group of solar panels is called an array.