Long-Term Effects of Preferential Recharge from Photovoltaic Cells on Soil Structure
Use combined field and laboratory soil testing to learn how solar fields affect the soil, and how we can improve solar array management.
Project description
Solar fields are becoming more and more commonplace, but their long-term effect on the soil is little understood. Overtime, panel runoff from rain events can cause extra erosion, excess infiltration, and deposition of fine particles.
When solar fields become decommissioned, the remaining soil may not be suitable for re-development, and may need to be replaced. Understanding how the soil changes over time when under solar panels can help improve solar field management to maximize soil longevity. This project will involve taking soil samples across UB's multiple Solar Fields and analyzing spatial changes in soil physical properties from the surrounding native soil. Additionally, hydrological testing, such as infiltration, and geophysical surveying will be done to help spatially identify anomalous areas under panels to guide sampling.
Project outcome
Potential outcomes include published abstracts, a poster, and presentation at a conference.
Learning outcomes
The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration.
Project details
| Length of commitment | About a semester; 3-5 months |
| Start time | Summer, Fall |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Potential academic credit, work study, and/or stipend |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students who have taken ERT 303. |
Core partners
- UB Sustainability and Facilities
Project mentor
Gina Pope
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Earth Sciences (Geology)
Phone: (585) 746-4604
Email: ginapope@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about the digital badge.)
Preparation activities
The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.
Keywords
soil, sustainability, solar, water science, geotechnical, hydrogeology, stormwater, geology, earth sciences, environmental sciences