In 2023, scientists placed ultrasonic microphones at 12 Midwest solar plants to see how bats responded. 3 years later, the recordings revealed about 50% more calls above the panels than nearby fields, suggesting the sites were attracting activity

When researchers set up ultrasonic microphones at solar farms across the Midwest, they wanted to find out how bats were responding to the growing presence of renewable energy infrastructure. What they recorded over two years was unexpected.

During May and June, bat calls above the solar facilities were about 50% higher than those over nearby agricultural fields, as per a report. The increase was particularly noticeable around dusk, when bats emerge to feed.