Solar Energy Content

Federal Budget Cut Halts Solar Heat Technology Project

Andy Fell — December 08, 2025 - 2:35pm

A project to capture solar heat for industrial use — with potential spinoffs in other energy areas, including nuclear power — has been canceled by the U.S. Department of Energy on the cusp of its final phase. The University of California, Davis, received a letter from the federal agency stating that the work “does not effectuate the Department of Energy’s priorities.”

Helping Birds and Floating Solar Energy Coexist

Katherine E Kerlin — May 12, 2025 - 2:00am

How might floating solar energy projects impact wild birds and vice versa? A UC Davis paper outlines key considerations for a growing floating solar industry.

A Clean Energy Boost for Multitasking Lands

Katherine E Kerlin — December 02, 2024 - 9:00am

A UC Davis Wild Energy Center report defines multi-use solar energy projects and the challenges and opportunities they present for California landscapes.

Mapping the Future’s Sweet Spot for Clean Energy and Biodiversity

Katherine E Kerlin — March 08, 2024 - 2:00am

A UC Davis study of Joshua trees, kit foxes and solar energy developments highlights the need to consider climate-induced range shifts for species as we expand clean energy.

California Climate Action Grants Awarded to 4 UC Davis Projects

Katherine E Kerlin — August 23, 2023 - 5:16pm

UC awards four UC Davis projects with California Climate Action Grants. They'll focus on solar energy, urban streams, health impacts of wildfires and landscape resilience for California Indian Allotment lands.

A Solar Project to Restore Prairie and Pollinators

Katherine E Kerlin — December 15, 2022 - 1:45pm

From solar panels and pollinators to salamanders and people, a restorative energy project takes shape in Rancho Seco near Sacramento with UC Davis, EPRI and SMUD.

Solar Development: Super Bloom or Super Bust for Desert Species?

Katherine E Kerlin — May 03, 2021 - 11:45am

Throughout the history of the West, human actions have often rushed the desert — and their actions backfired. In the 1920s, the Colorado River Compact notoriously overallocated water still used today by several Western states because water measurements were taken during a wet period.

Cacti and Other Iconic Desert Plants Threatened by Solar Development

Katherine E Kerlin — July 20, 2020 - 8:00am

With their tough skins, pointy armor and legendary stamina, cacti are made to defend themselves from whatever nature throws at them.

But large solar energy facilities are one threat that cacti weren’t built to withstand, according to a study by the University of California, Davis.

20 Overlooked Benefits of Distributed Solar Energy

Katherine E Kerlin — July 09, 2019 - 11:32am

A study released today provides the most complete list yet of the advantages of solar energy — from carbon sequestration to improvements for pollinator habitat. The paper offers a new framework for analyzing solar projects to better understand the full suite of benefits.

The study, published in Nature Sustainability, was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis; Lancaster University in the United Kingdom; the Center for Biological Diversity; and 10 other organizations.

Can Solar Energy and Wildlife Coexist?

Tyler S Mayxonesing — September 10, 2018 - 9:29pm

UC Davis explores the coexistence of solar energy, wildlife and sensitive lands. Learn about the latest research on renewable energy and conservation efforts.