Controlling wind erosion on a solar power plant
Controlling wind erosion on a solar power plant
Year
2025
Customer
SOLVEO energy
Location
France
Typology
Air & Wind
Study of the impact of the construction of a solar power plant on soil erosion
EOLIOS' expertise at the service of soil erosion control
EOLIOS Engineering was asked to assess the risks of wind erosion on the Bourriot-Bergonce solar power plant project. Since the plant’s construction required partial deforestation , it was crucial to determine whether the alteration of the terrain and the addition of photovoltaic panels could weaken the soil in the face of wind.
Thanks to in-depth meteorological analysis combined with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations , our engineers were able to model airflow across the entire site. This approach allowed us to map areas at risk of erosion , assess the impact of solar panels on wind dynamics, and design solutions to ensure the long-term viability of the installations .
CFD to understand the impact of wind on soils
Wind as a factor in erosion
Wind erosion is the movement of soil particles under the action of the wind. This phenomenon depends on several parameters, such as the type of soil , its surface condition, the presence or absence of vegetation, and also the intensity and direction of the prevailing winds . When the soil is bare and smooth, the wind can easily mobilize surface particles, leading to progressive degradation of the terrain.
Even a moderate wind can carry dust for kilometers, hence the importance of blocking erosion at its source . In natural environments, vegetation plays a fundamental protective role . It acts both as a barrier that slows airflow near the ground and as a factor of mechanical stabilization thanks to its root systems. Any alteration to this balance can therefore have a direct impact on the site’s susceptibility to erosion.
Photovoltaic projects and the modification of the site's balance
The installation of a photovoltaic power plant generally involves changes to the terrain, including partial or total deforestation of the area. This site alteration modifies soil roughness and can lead to increased exposure to prevailing winds . In this context, it is essential to assess whether the new site configuration, once the panels are installed, leads to an increased risk of erosion or whether, on the contrary, the installed structures contribute to soil protection. It is precisely this question that the study conducted by EOLIOS sought to answer.
Multi-scale wind analysis
Understanding large-scale prevailing winds
The first stage of the study relies on a large-scale analysis of the site and its environment. This approach makes it possible to characterize the prevailing wind patterns and understand how airflows interact with the topography and surrounding natural features.
This overall view is essential for identifying the most impactful wind directions and for placing the project within its territorial context. It forms the basis for the more detailed analyses carried out subsequently.
The simulation results highlight areas of high wind speed , conducive to erosion, that were already present before the project began. The study shows that these phenomena persist after the power plant is installed, underscoring the importance of implementing targeted corrective measures to sustainably limit the risks of soil degradation. Furthermore, we observe that wind speed increases directly over the photovoltaic arrays, creating “wind speed veins” in the immediate vicinity of the structures. These localized accelerations, induced by changes in airflow, necessitate more detailed studies. By focusing on these specific areas, our engineers can more accurately assess the erosion risks where the airflow is most dynamic.
Before/After Project - Overall View - Speed Plan at 10cm from the ground
Analysis of the footprint of the photovoltaic power plant
In a second step, the analysis is narrowed to the scale of the project’s footprint.
This step allows us to study the impact of deforestation and modification of the ground surface on airflow.
It highlights the areas where the soil becomes more exposed to the wind and allows us to compare the behavior of the flows between the initial state , characterized by vegetation cover, and the state after work.
A local approach, as close as possible to the panels
Finally, the study focuses on a local analysis, as close as possible to the photovoltaic panel arrays. This fine scale is essential for understanding the direct interactions between wind and structures . In particular, it allows for the evaluation of the effect of the panels on ground-level wind speeds and the identification of any localized acceleration zones , especially in alignments or traffic corridors.
To better understand the impact of solar panels on wind flow, a small-scale simulation was performed. This configuration allows us to isolate the effect of photovoltaic structures on the flow dynamics at ground level.
The results highlight a significant damping effect : the presence of the panels slows the wind by breaking up the flow and creating areas of controlled turbulence behind the rows. This dissipation of kinetic energy reduces the overall wind speed in the near-ground layer and limits local accelerations that could occur in the open spaces between the rows. In practice, this phenomenon helps reduce the risk of wind erosion on the site.
The panels act as a passive barrier, stabilizing airflow and reducing critical velocities that can mobilize soil particles. This simulation therefore confirms that the layout and density of the installations play a significant role in protecting soils from the effects of wind.
Deforestation and changing wind conditions
Increased soil exposure in open areas
The simulation results highlight the impact of deforestation on wind behavior near the ground. The removal of forest cover leads to an increase in wind speeds in the now-open areas, particularly when the wind is aligned with the cleared corridors of the power plant, which is a regular occurrence since these orientations correspond to the prevailing winds at the site. This change is explained by the disappearance of the natural barriers that the trees provided.
In the absence of this vegetation roughness, the wind retains more energy as it approaches the ground, increasing its ability to mobilize surface particles . Bare soils thus become more susceptible to erosion, particularly in the most exposed areas.
However, the analysis allows us to qualify this observation: the increase in wind speeds does not affect the entire site uniformly. Some areas remain relatively unaffected, depending on their location, local topography, and distance from the main wind paths.
Localized accelerations related to site configuration
Beyond this general trend, the results illustrate the emergence of localized wind accelerations in specific areas of the project. These phenomena are primarily linked to the site’s geometry, the presence of continuous open areas, and the orientation of certain spaces relative to prevailing winds.
These accelerations remain localized and confined, but they constitute important points of concern . In these areas, the wind can reach higher levels than in the rest of the power plant, locally increasing the potential for erosion.
Simulation makes it possible to precisely locate these areas and understand their mechanisms, which is essential for implementing appropriate corrective measures.
An influence dependent on configuration and orientation
The protective effect of the panels is not uniform, however, and depends on several parameters, such as their orientation, spacing, and alignment with the prevailing winds. Some configurations promote greater flow slowing, while others can generate local wind redistributions. CFD analysis makes it possible to identify these differences in behavior and to verify that, in the configuration chosen for the project, the panel placement contributes overall to soil protection rather than increased exposure.
Conditions compatible with soil stability
Under the most common wind conditions encountered at the site, the results indicate that ground wind speeds generally remain below the thresholds associated with significant erosion . The risk of widespread erosion thus appears to be controlled at the power plant scale. This result highlights the importance of detailed analysis to overcome preconceived notions. It shows that, when well-designed, a photovoltaic power plant can not only limit its impact on the soil.
Identify and secure sensitive areas
Detection of local wind accelerations and appropriate passive solutions
Thanks to CFD, certain more exposed areas have been identified. These areas can experience localized wind accelerations, which can increase their susceptibility to erosion. Accurate mapping of these areas is a valuable tool for guiding corrective actions.
The approach adopted is to intervene only where necessary. For identified sensitive areas, passive measures such as plant windbreaks or lightweight structures can be implemented to disrupt the flow dynamics. These solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into the project environment while ensuring long-term effectiveness.
The added value of EOLIOS expertise
This study illustrates EOLIOS Ingénierie’s ability to support photovoltaic project developers in addressing environmental issues from the earliest design phases. By anticipating erosion risks, it is possible to ensure the project’s viability and avoid costly corrective interventions during the operational phase.
Using numerical simulation, EOLIOS offers a pragmatic approach tailored to the specific characteristics of each site. The goal is to design high-performance, sustainable, and environmentally friendly photovoltaic power plants, integrating aerodynamic constraints as a key driver for project optimization.
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Study summary
Summary of the study
EOLIOS Engineering conducted a CFD study to assess the wind erosion risks associated with the construction of a photovoltaic power plant requiring partial deforestation. Using a multi-scale approach, numerical simulations were used to map airflow patterns across the entire site, both before and after construction. The results show that deforestation leads to a localized increase in wind speeds , creating potentially erosive areas of high wind velocity . However, the photovoltaic panels play a significant protective role by introducing artificial roughness that slows ground-level airflow. Under typical wind conditions, ground speeds generally remain below critical erosion thresholds , thus mitigating the overall risk. Targeted passive measures , such as vegetation windbreaks , are recommended in the most exposed areas to ensure the site’s long-term viability.
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