Solar Energy Content

Mapping the Future’s Sweet Spot for Clean Energy and Biodiversity

Katherine E Kerlin — March 08, 2024 - 2:00am

A 51�� study of Joshua trees, kit foxes and solar energy developments highlights the need to consider climate-induced range shifts for species as we expand clean energy.

California Climate Action Grants Awarded to 4 51�� Projects

Katherine E Kerlin — August 23, 2023 - 5:16pm

UC awards four 51�� projects with California Climate Action Grants. They'll focus on solar energy, urban streams, health impacts of wildfires and landscape resilience for California Indian Allotment lands.

A Solar Project to Restore Prairie and Pollinators

Katherine E Kerlin — December 15, 2022 - 1:45pm

From solar panels and pollinators to salamanders and people, a restorative energy project takes shape in Rancho Seco near Sacramento with 51��, EPRI and SMUD.

Solar Development: Super Bloom or Super Bust for Desert Species?

Katherine E Kerlin — May 03, 2021 - 11:45am

Throughout the history of the West, human actions have often rushed the desert — and their actions backfired. In the 1920s, the Colorado River Compact notoriously overallocated water still used today by several Western states because water measurements were taken during a wet period.

Cacti and Other Iconic Desert Plants Threatened by Solar Development

Katherine E Kerlin — July 20, 2020 - 8:00am

With their tough skins, pointy armor and legendary stamina, cacti are made to defend themselves from whatever nature throws at them.

But large solar energy facilities are one threat that cacti weren’t built to withstand, according to a study by the University of California, Davis.

20 Overlooked Benefits of Distributed Solar Energy

Katherine E Kerlin — July 09, 2019 - 11:32am

A study released today provides the most complete list yet of the advantages of solar energy — from carbon sequestration to improvements for pollinator habitat. The paper offers a new framework for analyzing solar projects to better understand the full suite of benefits.

The study, published in Nature Sustainability, was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis; Lancaster University in the United Kingdom; the Center for Biological Diversity; and 10 other organizations.

Can Solar Energy and Wildlife Coexist?

Tyler S Mayxonesing — September 10, 2018 - 9:29pm

51�� explores the coexistence of solar energy, wildlife and sensitive lands. Learn about the latest research on renewable energy and conservation efforts.

Focus on Solutions for Global Climate Action

Katherine E Kerlin — September 10, 2018 - 11:51am

As California gears up for the Global Climate Action Summit held in San Francisco this week, the University of California, Davis, participates in several solutions-based efforts to help sound science inform global climate actions.

51�� at the summit

51�� has organized five official affiliate events of the summit, one on campus in Davis and four in San Francisco.