Scientific research

Research Library

Scientific Resources

Peer-reviewed studies and industry research supporting regenerative solar management.

Showing 18 of 18 resources

Temperature Reduction2023

Module temperature reduction through elevated panels and vegetation

Williams et al. · Applied Energy

-10°CModule temperature reduction

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, documented up to 10°c reduction in module temperature with elevated panels and strategic vegetation cover. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2023

Agrivoltaic integration and photovoltaic production enhancement

Othman et al. · Agriculture

+3%Production increase

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, demonstrated 3% increase in photovoltaic production through agrivoltaic integration. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2019

Remarkable agrivoltaic influence on soil moisture, micrometeorology and water-use efficiency

Adeh et al. · ResearchGate Publication

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, improved energy production through evapotranspiration cooling and documented microclimate benefits. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2013

Analysis of the potential for photovoltaic heat island effect

Fthenakis & Yu · IEEE 39th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference

+1.9°CHeat island effect without vegetation

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, solar farms without vegetation experience a 1.9°c ambient temperature increase, accelerating component degradation. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2019

Observed effects of utility-scale photovoltaics on near-surface air temperature and energy balance

Broadbent et al. · Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, observed effects of commercial-scale photovoltaics on surface energy balance, confirming importance of vegetation. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2020

Analysis of cooling potential across 23 major photovoltaic plants

Zhang & Xu · Remote Sensing

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, analysis of 23 major photovoltaic plants showed significant cooling potential with vegetation. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2022

Effects of panel height on cooling enhancement

Smith et al. · Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, demonstrated that panel height significantly affects cooling enhancement when combined with ground vegetation. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Temperature Reduction2016

The Photovoltaic Heat Island Effect: Nocturnal warming impact on efficiency

Barron-Gafford et al. · Scientific Reports

3-4°CNocturnal warming without vegetation

This research demonstrates how vegetation-based cooling strategies can significantly improve solar panel efficiency. For TerraNext clients, without vegetation, solar installations produce 3-4°c nocturnal warming that affects next-day efficiency. This directly supports our cooling optimization approach, potentially adding significant value to 100MWp installations.

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Maintenance Costs2020

Solar grazing cost analysis: Sheep vs. mechanical mowing

Tampa Electric / Paul Davis · Utility Dive - Industry Report

75%Cost reduction with solar grazing

Key findings on maintenance cost reduction align with TerraNext's regenerative management philosophy. Documented 75% cost savings using solar grazing versus traditional mechanical mowing. By implementing these strategies, solar operators can achieve substantial O&M savings while improving environmental outcomes.

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Maintenance Costs2023

Native vegetation O&M cost trajectory in solar installations

NREL / Macknick et al. · Sustainability

30-40%O&M cost reduction after establishment

Key findings on maintenance cost reduction align with TerraNext's regenerative management philosophy. O&M costs with native vegetation are initially higher (years 1-3) but reduce by 30-40% after establishment. By implementing these strategies, solar operators can achieve substantial O&M savings while improving environmental outcomes.

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Maintenance Costs2023

Solar grazing budgets and cost comparison study

American Solar Grazing Association · ASGA Industry Report

30%Lower costs than traditional maintenance

Key findings on maintenance cost reduction align with TerraNext's regenerative management philosophy. Solar grazing costs are typically 30% lower than traditional landscape maintenance. By implementing these strategies, solar operators can achieve substantial O&M savings while improving environmental outcomes.

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Maintenance Costs2024

Mediterranean climate soiling impact on solar panel energy losses

Said et al. · Solar Energy Research

2.8-50%Daily energy losses from soiling

Key findings on maintenance cost reduction align with TerraNext's regenerative management philosophy. Energy losses from soiling vary from 2.8% to 50% per day depending on Mediterranean climate conditions. By implementing these strategies, solar operators can achieve substantial O&M savings while improving environmental outcomes.

Maintenance Costs2016

Comprehensive review of dust impact on solar panels

Maghami et al. · Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Key findings on maintenance cost reduction align with TerraNext's regenerative management philosophy. Comprehensive review documenting the need for regular cleaning and benefits of ground cover management for dust prevention. By implementing these strategies, solar operators can achieve substantial O&M savings while improving environmental outcomes.

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Maintenance Costs2021

Scientists studying solar try solving a dusty problem

NREL Soiling Research Team · NREL News Feature

$5,000Cost per cleaning (10MW)

Key findings on maintenance cost reduction align with TerraNext's regenerative management philosophy. A single cleaning for a 10MW solar farm can cost $5,000. Vegetation reduces required cleaning frequency from 6-8 times/year to 4 times/year. By implementing these strategies, solar operators can achieve substantial O&M savings while improving environmental outcomes.

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Water & Infrastructure2011

Adaptive grazing management and water infiltration in semiarid grasslands

Teague et al. · Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

800-1,500 m³/ha/yearAdditional water infiltration

Water management and infrastructure protection are critical for long-term solar asset value. Adaptive grazing management increases water infiltration by 800-1,500 m³/ha/year in semiarid grasslands compared to conventional systems. TerraNext's approach leverages these insights to protect foundations and reduce erosion-related maintenance across installations.

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Water & Infrastructure2003

Effect of soil organic carbon on water retention and infiltration capacity

Rawls et al. · Geoderma

150-250 m³/ha/yearPer 1% organic carbon increase

Water management and infrastructure protection are critical for long-term solar asset value. A 1% increase in soil organic carbon increases water retention and infiltration capacity by 150-250 m³/ha/year. TerraNext's approach leverages these insights to protect foundations and reduce erosion-related maintenance across installations.

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Water & Infrastructure2021

Regenerative management and infiltration in southeast Spain

Proyecto Alvelal · Mongabay Environmental News - Case Study

55%Infiltration increase

Water management and infrastructure protection are critical for long-term solar asset value. Documented 55% increase in infiltration through regenerative management in southeast Spain, restoring degraded Mediterranean ecosystems. TerraNext's approach leverages these insights to protect foundations and reduce erosion-related maintenance across installations.

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Water & Infrastructure2020

Sensible heat flux increase in unmanaged solar installations

Pham et al. · Scientific Reports

80%Heat flux increase without management

Water management and infrastructure protection are critical for long-term solar asset value. Documented 80% increase in sensible heat flux from unmanaged installations, accelerating degradation and increasing maintenance costs in Mediterranean climate. TerraNext's approach leverages these insights to protect foundations and reduce erosion-related maintenance across installations.

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