Large solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays can be planted with native vegetation to provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife species. CEE’s pollinator-friendly solar program certifies Massachusetts solar facilities as pollinator-friendly based on establishment and maintenance criteria, and reviews the status of these arrays regularly through on-site monitoring. For an overview of our program, see this article published in the Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists newsletter (December 2020).
A number of other states have also established "pollinator-friendly" programs to help solar developers implement, maintain, and promote native meadow habitats under and around solar panels.
UMass Pollinator-Friendly Solar PV Certification Program
The following documents lay out the requirements for developing, certifying, and maintaining a pollinator-friendly solar PV facility, as well as provide resources to aid in that process. Certification criteria were developed in consultation with a review board of experts and stakeholders.
Note that it is HIGHLY recommended that you submit an Application to CEE for review prior to carrying out any work at a proposed pollinator-friendly solar facility. This is necessary to ensure that the development plan and activities are in line with certification criteria, and that the site will ultimately be able to obtain certification.
Please note that the certification criteria, application form, and other documents were updated in January 2022 and represent the most current version of certification forms. No changes to the certification program were made for 2023 through 2026.
Certification Criteria: 
Silver Gold/Platinum
Best Management Practices: PDF
Recommended Plant Species List: 
Spreadsheet
Application Form: Fillable PDF Table Templates
Certification Procedure and Fees: PDF On-line Payment Portal
Annual Maintenance Log: Spreadsheet
Attaining certification at the Silver level or above can qualify a new solar facility as eligible for the Pollinator Adder through the Massachusetts SMART solar incentive program. The value of the Pollinator Adder for newly qualifying facilities is set annually by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The 2026 pollinator adder rate is $0.01/kWh.
Why pollinator-friendly solar?
Pollinator-Friendly Solar Fact Sheet
It’s Good for Native Wildlife and Plants: Native flowering herbs and shrubs provide habitat and food to pollinators and other species. Grassland habitats support over 70 animals and plants designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Massachusetts.
It’s Cost-Effective: Establishing native plants under solar PV arrays may require higher upfront costs, but these practices can result in lower maintenance costs over time, due to reduced mowing schedules, and reduced needs for watering and herbicide application.
It’s Prettier: Wildflower meadows and vegetation screens of native shrub species are aesthetically more appealing than grass or gravel. They may make solar PV facilities more acceptable to neighbors and visitors.
What are other states doing?
- At least fifteen states have created voluntary designation programs for solar PV facilities to establish habitats friendly to pollinators, grassland birds, and other native wildlife species. Some have developed best management practices, as well as establishment, maintenance, and monitoring guidance.
- Reviews of state-by-state efforts are available from the Clean Energy States Alliance and the Electric Power Research Institute.
- See examples of programs in other states: Vermont Maryland Minnesota
Have questions about the project, or interested in becoming involved? Contact Zara Dowling (zdowling[at]umass[dot]edu; 413-545-8516).