Known and unknown biodiversity impacts of solar PV: A review of life cycle stages and mitigation opportunities

Climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected global problems that should be addressed in tandem. Solar photovoltaics (PV) electricity generation is crucial in mitigating climate challenge, but its biodiversity impacts are less studied. This study proposes an approach to review existing literature on biodiversity impacts of solar PV using a life cycle thinking approach while considering direct biodiversity loss drivers (e.g. land use and climate change), aiming to identify current knowledge, research gaps, and potential mitigation strategies. The review of 54 articles reveals a misrepresentation between installed solar PV capacity and biodiversity-focused studies, uneven taxonomic coverage, and an imbalanced focus across life-cycle stages. About 76% of included studies focus on the operational stage of solar PV systems, particularly the effects of land use. Research suggests that solar PV sites can negatively impact biodiversity when installed in natural areas but may offer benefits on degraded or low-biodiversity areas, while 69% of studies focusing on biodiversity-conscious planning and maintenance showed this could further enhance onsite biodiversity levels. Other life cycle stages—such as raw material extraction, manufacturing, and end-of-life disposal— are less understood, despite their potential to contribute to biodiversity loss through pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Despite limited coverage across life cycle stages, our review indicates that a shift from fossil fuels to solar PV can reduce biodiversity impacts, particularly when following the principles of the mitigation hierarchy. Nonetheless, more research is needed to enable future comprehensive biodiversity assessments, particularly regarding the standardisation of biodiversity measurement protocols to support meta-analytical comparison. • Holistic, standardised assessment of biodiversity impacts from solar PV is needed. • Solar PV biodiversity studies mainly focus on land use. • Impacts across taxonomic groups, management, and land-use types varies. • Biodiversity-conscious planning/maintenance can enhance biodiversity of PV sites. • Policy should mandate inclusion of biodiversity considerations in PV site planning.