Member Spotlight: Eco Resource Consulting

Eco-Resource Consulting (ERC) is based in Stoughton, WI and provides science-based ecological consulting and sustainable restoration. ERC plans, implements, maintains, and monitors sustainable native plant communities within ground based solar installations. They joined the co-op in 2023.

Each ground mount solar installation has the challenge of what to do to manage the vegetation underneath it. Many options exist, including a weed barrier and crushed rock, simply planting grass, or planting native vegetation that will manage itself over time (with some help) and save time in the process.

We asked Kyle Duquaine from Eco Resource Consulting, how this is done….

First, it is important to know some of the benefits and advantages of native vs. non-native vegetation once established. Here are some:

• Complex and deep root systems of native vegetation uptake nutrients and are sequestered in the plant, removing them from surrounding water bodies and providing significant increases in water quality.
• Complex and deep root systems provide significant flood protection by allowing the connection between surface and ground water.
• Complex and deep root systems provide substantial erosion control and soil stability.
• A diverse native planting provides habitat and refugia to a plethora of pollinators and other wildlife.
• Native plants are aesthetically pleasing to the public.
• Native plant management is minimal following year three of establishment.

Through experience, Eco-Resource Consulting, Inc. has determined the following as the ideal scenario for native vegetation based solar projects:

1. Ecologists are brought in at the design phase of the project. Many back-end cost savings can be achieved if vegetation management is considered from the onset of a project. Things like buried CAB lines, parallel (to the panels) articulation mechanisms, and single high pilings should be utilized to facilitate access. Anything that allows for easier vegetation management will provide cost savings on the back end.
2. Ecologists conduct simple soil preparation and drill/broadcast seed a rapidly establishing cool season native grass mix to prepare for full native seed mix after installation.
3. All operations and installation of solar panels commence and complete. Contractors ensure all leftover materials are cleaned up and removed from site. This includes debris and unearthed stones from installation.
4. Following panel installation, Ecologists conduct site and soil preparation depending on current site conditions.
5. Ecologists install a robust low stature native seed mix. This would consist of two separate seed mixes; one full sun native seed mix and one partial shade seed mix for under the panels.
6. Well timed maintenance mowing and spot herbicide treatments throughout year one of the native planting is critical. Proper maintenance mowing at the correct vegetation height and time throughout the growing season dramatically reduces annual invasive vegetation, while simultaneously allowing native species to establish.
7. Well timed maintenance mowing and spot herbicide treatments throughout year two of the native planting is critical. Proper maintenance mowing at the correct vegetation height and time throughout the growing season dramatically reduces annual invasive vegetation, while simultaneously allowing native species to establish.
8. Ecologists monitor the site throughout the first few growing seasons. Ecologists then determine if additional management activities are needed in year three and beyond. Year three typically shows drastically diminished management efforts.
9. Every three to five years simulating fire is necessary to ensure the native planting continues to thrive. This involves cutting, bailing, and removing all biomass from the site. Prescribed fire is typically not an option on solar sites.

To learn more about how Eco Resource Consulting can help you and your site, contact Kyle today.