Saving the World Through Watershed Function: Insights from the PV-SMaRT Project

Water quality and… solar energy? It’s not exactly chocolate and peanut butter. But the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (see? PV-SMaRT) project looks at exactly such a combination and demonstrates the value of looking beyond compliance in stormwater and water quality regulation. In the end, it’s not about meeting design storm standards or installing best management practices; it’s about saving the world.

Large-scale solar development is a new and rapidly growing land use that is a critical component of addressing the climate crisis, but poses unique risks and opportunities in the stormwater and water quality world. Indeed, some solar projects have resulted in spectacular water quality failures. But the opportunity for creating “co-benefits” in water quality and habitat is also remarkable. Can we use the solar development opportunity to create value in our watersheds and our eco-systems, and our agricultural systems, in addition to transforming our energy systems?

Erosion and sediment control professionals strive to protect our valuable soil and water resources. But focusing on regulatory thresholds leads to a compliance mentality that misses the forest for the trees. Should we instead be asking how, in the watershed, we can make development function like a forest? If we restore watershed functions, create new habitat and build soil health… is it a solar farm, or green infrastructure?