In 2023, scientists placed ultrasonic microphones at 12 Midwest solar plants to see how bats responded. 3 years later, the recordings revealed about 50% more calls above the panels than nearby fields, suggesting the sites were attracting activity

Midwest solar farms with native plants showed increased bat activity during spring. Bat calls were fifty percent higher over solar sites than nearby farms. This pattern occurred while agricultural fields were being prepared for planting. Different bat species responded with varying levels of increased activity. The findings highlight the ecological impact of vegetation beneath solar panels.