Re: [Vo]:U.S. Freezes Solar Energy Projects

[Nick Palmer]

I've put peripheral input into environmental assessments in the past. For 
something like the South Western deserts of the U.S., I'd say, as a rule of 
thumb, that if a maximum of no more than 20% of the area was given over to 
solar plant that that would be acceptable. 80% would be left semi pristine. 
Nature would be fine. Of the 20% used, I don't mean every square yard 
dragooned into production but, of that area given over to generation, there 
would be wildlife "corridors" between the units. The shading effect beneath 
the panels or reflectors might actually give the desert dwelling species an 
easier niche to live in without it being so comfortable that temperate 
species would usurp them. I think up to 20 % would be a huge energy resource 
that may even be beneficial to the local environment if planned wisely...


Nick