My PhD, carried out with the University of Bath and the University of the West of England in collaboration with RSK Biocensus, is exploring how noise affects bats. Although it’s been observed that bats can change their behaviour near solar farms, we still don’t fully understand why—especially when it comes to how noise and smooth panel surfaces might be influencing them.
To investigate, we have been running experiments at sites across Southwest England using thermal cameras and sound detectors to monitor bat activity around smooth and textured solar panels placed at different distances from hedgerows and field edges.
We are also looking at whether the angle of the panels (flat or tilted) make any difference to how bats respond. Preliminary results suggest some interesting responses that could help us to mitigate adverse impacts in the future. The next stage of the project involves testing whether the high-pitched noise from operating solar equipment affects bat behaviour.
This research is helping to build a clearer picture of how noise from solar developments could affect bats, with the aim of supporting better planning and protection as we shift toward renewable energy.