Many solar facilities are designed to support pollinators. State or local regulations may require planting pollinator supporting meadows in buffer and/or array areas. If these solar facilities are located near natural habitat, they may serve to support native pollinators. If surrounded by commodity crops, they may serve as honeybee health recovery areas. Ideally these sites will have continuity of bloom throughout the growing season, with at least three species blooming in any given season. There should be at least five plant families and 20 to 26 flowering species. Where support for specific caterpillars is desired, their host plants should be part of the design. Consideration also should be given for including plants whose pollen or secondary metabolites support bee health. For array areas, consideration must be given to the height of the leading edge of the panel and how vegetation will be prevented from shading the panels. For buffer areas it is important not to include tall species that may invade the array area. In all areas species should be used that interact well. Finally, the mix must be affordable.
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