Photovoltaic solar energy installation is booming, frequently near
agricultural lands. Traditionally, the land underneath ground-mounted
photovoltaic panels is unused, though some are repurposing it as habitat for
pollinating insects. However, the impact of the solar panel canopy on the
pollinator-plant community understory is unknown. In this study (Graham et
al., 2020), we investigated the effects of solar arrays on plant
composition, bloom timing and foraging behavior of pollinators in open
fields (control), and in full shade and partial shade areas under solar
panels in a predominant agricultural region of southern Oregon. Pollinating
insect specimens were collected using hand nets, and identified to the
lowest taxonomic group possible by M. Graham, A.R. Moldenke, and L.R. Best.
A total of 85 voucher specimens were deposited into the Oregon State
Arthropod Collection; accession record: OSAC_AC_2021_03_11_001-01.