User:NatFee/Solar Farm 2.0

Solar Farm 2.0 is a solar array on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It is located near Savoy, north of Curtis Road, between First Street and Dunlap Avenue. Solar Farm 2.0 produces approximately 20,000 megawatt-hours per year and helps meet the goals of their Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP).

History
Construction began in July 2020. The solar array was energized on January 29, 2021. Native plants were seeded in May and June 2021.

Features
Solar Farm 2.0 has 31,122 bifacial solar panels, single-axis trackers, pollinator habitat, and zero waste construction practices. The site serves as a demonstration site and research area.

Pollinator plants
Researchers are monitoring the site for pollinator plant effectiveness and growth, insects, birds, and bats. Multi-year research projects include: Pollinator Habitat Aligned with Solar Energy (PHASE), and Sustainably Co-locating Agricultural and Photovoltaic Electricity Systems (SCAPES).

Out of the required 85 minimum points on the Illinois Pollinator Friendly Solar Site Act, the Solar Farm 2.0 scored 134 points and was officially designated “Provides Exceptional Habitat.” Natural Resource Services designed the custom seed mix with over 21 native plant types. The site has over 6.5 million flowering plants and native grasses.