Solar power plants in arid regions found to boost vegetation productivity by 137%
Dr. Ömer Yetemen, assistant professor at ITU Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences:
“Solar panels reduce incoming radiation, thereby lowering air and soil temperatures. Rainwater collected along the panels increases soil moisture, and together these microclimatic changes have a positive impact on vegetation. Thanks to solar power plants established in arid regions, we observed up to a 137% increase in vegetation greening.”
An international study involving Istanbul Technical University (ITU) has revealed that solar power plants (SPPs) constructed in arid regions can increase vegetation productivity by as much as 137%.
Dr. Ömer Yetemen from ITU’s Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, began investigating the impact of solar power installations on vegetation in arid areas two years ago. The research team analysed the effects of 51,491 SPPs operating worldwide on surrounding vegetation.
According to Dr. Yetemen, the growing demand for energy has led to agricultural lands being repurposed for solar installations. In these cases, the land is first cleared of vegetation, then levelled and compacted before solar panels are installed. “Following this process, it's possible for vegetation to return more vigorously over time,” he stated.
He explained that under the panels, solar radiation is significantly reduced, while rainwater collected along the panels enhances soil moisture, resulting in richer plant growth beneath the installations. This effect is especially pronounced in semi-arid climates, where microclimatic changes caused by the panels directly influence microhabitats, soil moisture, air temperature, and organic carbon levels in the soil.
“Vegetation in semi-arid regions is highly sensitive to soil moisture,” he emphasised.
Together with scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Yetemen examined the effects of SPPs on plant life in dry climates. “As part of the study, we looked at how solar energy installations (of which there are more than 50,000 globally) altered the vegetation cover,” he said.
Using a harmonic model, the team was able to identify both seasonal patterns and long-term changes in vegetation by analysing satellite imagery. “This method allowed us to compare natural vegetation trends before the construction of solar plants with the changes observed afterwards. Solar panels lower air and soil temperatures by reducing incoming radiation, while rainwater collected along them increases soil moisture. These combined microclimatic effects promote plant growth. In arid regions, we recorded up to a 137% increase in greening.”
Dr. Yetemen added that the same study will be expanded to include sites across Türkiye. Four regions (Konya, Gaziantep, Niğde, and Şanlıurfa) have been selected for the project. “Particularly in Konya, we have some of the country’s largest solar power installations. Fieldwork in these areas will begin soon,” he announced.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC.