Why Solar Power Is Good for Birds
EnergySolar energy is a boon for the environment, but some methods can be harmful to birds and other wildlife. Here's how to go solar safely.
The future looks bright for solar power. More than 1 million homes across the United States now run on energy generated by rooftop solar panels, and a new system is installed every four minutes. Solar panels are cheaper than they’ve ever been; installation costs have dropped by 70 percent in the last decade. And because solar is growing in popularity and declining in cost, more companies offer services that make rooftop installation easy.
That’s great news for all of us—and for birds, too. Climate change is the number one threat to U.S. birds, according to Audubon scientists, and to combat that threat, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels that produce carbon pollution. With solar power more accessible than ever, many people can now do their part to transition to cleaner sources of energy at home, and save money on electricity bills in the long run.
Click on your state on the map below to view information about installing rooftop solar panels.
Solar Power: Frequently Asked Questions
EnergyIs rooftop solar right for you? Get answers to your questions about solar power, courtesy of EnergySage.
Testimonials: How These Bird Lovers Went Solar at Home
EnergyIntimidated by solar power? Don't be. Meet real people who installed solar panels on their roof for a peek inside the process.
Audubon in Action Read more stories about Audubon in Action
Can Solar Plants Make Good Bird Habitat?
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Audubon California Helps Improve Apple’s Solar Farm
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Kicking the Carbon Habit for Good
Audubon Climate HeroesAudubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is tapping solar and wind power, green buildings, and more to take its carbon pollution down to zero.
Climate Change News
Climate
Off the East Coast, a Massive Network of Wind Turbines Is Coming—Along With New Risks for Migrating Birds
By Kathryn Miles
Species journeying over the Atlantic Ocean will soon have to navigate wind farms. But without clean energy, their futures are more imperiled.
Climate
A Matter of Timing: Can Birds Keep Up With Earlier and Earlier Springs?
By Scott Weidensaul
The seasons are changing as the planet warms. Some migratory species may break under the strain—but others could surprise us.
Press Room
Audubon Events Marking Earth Day 2022
By National Audubon Society
While conservation and stewardship of the environment are top of mind every day across the Audubon network, Earth Day on April 22 is a special day
Press Room
UN Report Offers Solutions to Reducing Emissions and Confronting Climate Change
By National Audubon Society
While previous reports detailed the extent of the impact of climate change, today’s report prescribes strategies to alleviate threats to both people and wildlife.
Climate
The Planet Is Undergoing an Ecological Transformation, Imperiling Biodiversity Everywhere
By Lauren Leffer
In a decade, 9 percent of all species worldwide could be at risk of total extinction, according to a new UN report on climate change
Climate
Many Birds Are Shrinking and Growing Longer Wings as the World Warms. Why?
By Lauren Leffer
A growing body of research suggests a warming world could mean smaller birds with longer wings, but nothing about the findings is settled.
Press Room
National Audubon Society Names a New Vice President of Climate
By National Audubon Society
Sarah Rose, executive director of Audubon California, will assume the senior role on March 1.
Renewable Energy
New Indiana Poll Reveals Strong Bipartisan Support for Renewable Energy
By National Audubon Society
Net metering policies proves to be very popular among Indiana voters.
Christmas Bird Count
Climate Change or Habitat Loss? New Study Weighs Which Influences Birds More
By Spoorthy Raman
Ninety years of Christmas Bird Count data tease apart the effects of habitat loss and warming temperatures on winter bird distributions.
Climate
Ghost Forests Could Provide Respite for Marsh Birds as Coastal Habitat Disappears
By Carlyn Kranking
Scientists want to ensure that swaths of trees killed by saltwater flooding are more than dead forest, but become quality marsh habitat for birds.
