Ecological implications of utility-scale solar energy development for global terrestrial vegetation: A review

The rapid expansion of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants has substantially altered land use and land cover, with vegetation change serving as a key ecological indicator. Based on a global database of 171 study records published or available online between 2010 and July 2026, this review systematically analysed the impact patterns and driving mechanisms of PV plants on vegetation. The results showed that vegetation responses were strongly dependent on land-cover context. Across all 171 study records, positive, negative, and complex mixed outcomes accounted for 35.1%, 25.1%, and 39.8%, respectively; positive outcomes were most frequently reported in barren lands (16/19, 84.2%), whereas grassland and cropland systems showed more heterogeneous and context-dependent responses. In grasslands, complex trade-offs occur between water gains and light losses. In croplands, crop responses were strongly differentiated; staple crops generally experienced yield reductions, whereas some shade-tolerant or high-value crops showed potential productivity gains. Although field-based monitoring, remote sensing, and modelling are primary methods, single approaches fail to capture complex dynamics, highlighting the need for multisource integration. In this study, an integrated framework for systematic evaluation and synergetic management is proposed to support eco-friendly PV layouts and regulate the "energy‒food-ecology" nexus.