Data for: Bibliographic synthesis of biodiversity-relevant criteria for solar energy siting

The widespread expansion of solar energy generation promises to help
mitigate global-scale threats from climate change while potentially
impacting biodiversity at local scales. Developers must attempt to
maximize solar energy production while minimizing conflicts with
biodiversity conservation, particularly as calls for the conservation of
30% of the world’s land and sea area gain traction. Here, we
bibliographically synthesized peer-reviewed solar suitability analyses
that attempt to optimize locations most suitable for solar development and
convened a panel of energy experts to contextualize the use of
biodiversity-relevant criteria in siting solar installations. We found
that biodiversity-relevant criteria seemed to be used in solar suitability
analyses primarily to meet legal requirements, and, thus, may not
adequately account for the potential effects of solar infrastructure on
local and/or regional biodiversity. The expert panel identified two
primary barriers to incorporating biodiversity-relevant criteria into
solar suitability analyses: a lack of quality data at relevant scales and
weak regulatory requirements that govern how biodiversity concerns are
incorporated into solar siting. Solar energy development and biodiversity
conservation address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity
loss, and the inclusion of biodiversity-relevant criteria into solar
suitability analyses can ensure their goals remain aligned.