Table 1 Rules of aggregating the four spatial resistance classes according to the classification of sensitivity, value, legitimacy and specificity
Class | Definition | Sensitivity | Value | Legitimacy | Specificity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Very high | Spatial units which have a very high sensitivity to solar parks and a very high value or on which ground solar parks are legally strictly excluded (mandatory) a priori | Very high | Very high | Very high | Very high |
High | Spatial units with a high to very high probability that the condition of biodiversity and ecosystem services will be impaired by solar parks and because of their very high value, the impairment cannot be compensated. There is no strict, legal protection status, although their exclusion from solar park installation is legitimate (e.g., by expert specification) but not specified sufficiently. Despite high to very high legitimate reasons for exclusion from solar park installation the legal protection status is not specified sufficiently for categorical exclusion | High–very high | Very high | High–very high | Medium–high |
Medium | Spatial units where a lasting ecological impact by solar parks cannot be ruled out, because sensitivity and value can still vary greatly on-site. In certain cases, local sensitivity can be reduced by technical adaptation of the park (e.g., adjustment of height, distance between rows). The areas are suitable under reserve and must be verified by information at the regional and local level. Accordingly, the degree of legitimacy and specificity also depends on site-specific impairment so that legal approval as well as exclusion is possible under certain conditions (e.g., if protected object is not impaired) | Low–medium | Low–very high | Low–medium | Medium–high |
Low | Spatial units that have low sensitivity to solar parks systems and comparatively low species, habitats and ecosystem service values. Value can still be high here, but minimal negative impacts are to be expected from solar parks on these areas. If the site-specific value is high, synergies with nature conservation are possible (e.g., outer zones of water protection areas). There is no restriction on their use | Low | Low–high | Low | Low–medium |