Why is photovoltaic power generation important in desertification areas?

Photovoltaic power generation is rapidly developing as a kind of renewable energy that can protect the ecological environment. The establishment of photovoltaic power stations in desertification areas can play a very important role in desert windbreaks and sand fixation as well as improve the ecological environment.

Does a PV power plant in the desert have a heating effect?

The PV power plant in the desert has a heating effect on the ambient temperature during the day, but the ambient temperature is not a distinct change at night (Broadbent et al., 2019). The characteristic of heating effect is not only presented daily change.

Does PV power station deployment affect desert vegetation?

Previous remote sensing studies of a few PV power stations have demonstrated that the PV power station deployment does not significantly alter desert vegetation (Edalat and Stephen, 2017; Potter, 2016).

Are desert photovoltaics good for the environment?

Overall, the large-scale development of desert photovoltaics in Gonghe County has had a positive impact on the ecological environment.

Do large-scale PV panels change vegetation in desert areas?

At the macro level, there is still a lack of understanding and evidence of vegetation changes in desert areas resulting from large-scale PV panel deployment, partly because large-scale field surveys can be costly and time-consuming.

Are desert areas suitable for building photovoltaic power stations?

As is shown in Fig. S1, most desert areas are suitable for building photovoltaic power stations when considering three factors: slope, distance from fresh water resources, and solar irradiation, especially deserts in Australia and Africa.