Perhaps, the structure itself can also provide some other functions. The pylons, for example, can double as a way for deep root watering.
The idea to benefit from an energy source at the ecological layer is the main idea IMO.
In an ecosystem, spreading and growing is a feature, not a bug. It means that, as a living system, it self-heals and regenerates. This is better than just being sustainable. A solar panel neither self-heals or regenerate. It in fact, degenerates —- the cells wear out over time, yielding less electricity, and will require replacement at some point.
My question still remains unanswered: what does a solar panel contribute to the ecosystem itself, that is not a result occupying a canopy layer or a yield for humans?
At least that's how I see it with my limited information.
The PV can also perform a nitrogen fixing role via electrolysis and ammonia production.
On a broader scale it can lead to the land being habitable at all by driving a coal or gas generator out of business.
Not better, but more likely to be deployed.
Are people willing to do that? Are there better ways to contribute?
When designing plant guilds in this way, these are the common ecological functions plants contribute to:
- nitrogen fixer
- deep-tap root dynamic accumulator (roots bring up nutrients below most other plant’s root zones and makes it bioavailable at the surface)
- pollinator attractor (usually flowers)
- aromatic confusers (part of integrated pest management strategies)
- sentinels (helps control plants that spread, or protect fragile plants from animals)
- animal and insect habitats
Then there are keystone species that have so many contributions, the local ecology would fall apart without it. An example is a baynan, from the fig family. These are actually a parasite that takes over a host tree with invasive roots, but they are also keystone species that contributes so much that no one wants to get rid of them.
In contrast, I don’t think anyone designs solar panels like this. So it yields something with minimal participation in the ecosystem. Humans want it for the electricity, but it may as well be an invasive species that just extracts resources without really giving anything back.
While solar panels have an yield useful for humans, it would be even better if it can participate in the ecological system. Planting instead say, a palo verde would yield edible beans, with the tree itself acting as a nitrogen fixer. A sea buckthorne tree also acts as a nitrogen fixer, with roots propogating (more sea buckthrone trees pops up on its own) and yields high vitamin-c berries.
What ecological function can a solar panel contribute to?