Solar That Blooms: Native Pollinator Habitats at New Energy Equity Solar Projects

To create these habitats, our pollinator-friendly sites use locally sourced, regionally appropriate seed mixes selected to support native pollinators and wildlife in each region. Rather than attempting a full restoration of historic ecosystems, these plantings are designed to function as productive, resilient habitats that work in conjunction with solar energy generation – creating environmental value while maintaining long-term site performance. Seed mixes are selected with the help from local partners to ensure they're well suited to each site's soil, climate, wildlife, and regional conditions.

Ecoregions:
Seed mixes are largely similar from state to state, and we use locally sourced seeds whenever possible, relying on trusted local EPCs and contractors to select the best fit for each site. While many of the species planted have wide natural ranges, the specific mix is determined by local expertise and availability.

• In the Midwest (Illinois, Minnesota), we refer to these as "prairie" or "pollinator" mixes.
• On the East Coast (New York, Maryland), we use "meadow" or "native woodland restoration" mixes.

• Panel Areas: We use dry/mesic short grass mixes with "pioneer species" like Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). Mixes may also include more conservative or rare species, such as Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens) in Minnesota, which take longer to mature but attract unique pollinators over time.
• Drainage Basins: Wet soil mixes support water retention and biodiversity.
• Mowing Practices: We mow near panels 2-3 times each summer, leaving middle alleys uncut so pollinator plants can complete their life cycle and generate seeds. At season's end, a full site mow mimics natural prairie fires, with some patches intentionally left unmown for winter wildlife habitat. This approach can make sites look a little "messy" at times, but that's by design—unmown areas are essential for pollinators and healthy ecosystems.
• Timelines: Prairies and meadows take 3-5 years to mature, with intensive management early on, then minimal maintenance.
• Self-Regulation: Pollinator plants eventually crowd out weeds, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.