Quantifying photovoltaic power plant–induced cool island effect and vegetation response in arid regions

Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) deployment in arid lands is vital for decarbonisation, yet PV-induced cool island effect (CIE) and its ecological consequences remain unclear. We analysed eight PV plants in the arid regions of China using Landsat-8 land surface temperature, kernel normalised difference vegetation index, buffer analysis, and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). PV plants exhibited a daytime CIE with a cooling intensity ( XD ) of 0.02–3.1 °C and a cooling distance ( Dist ) of 120–540 m. PLS-SEM indicated morphological complexity as the primary positive driver ( β = 0.92); plant scale exerted a suppressive effect ( β = −0.70), whereas climate contributed positively ( β = 0.35), explaining 63% of CIE variance ( R 2 = 0.63). Vegetation responses exhibited distinct spatial-seasonal heterogeneity, with their direction and intensity coordinatively regulated by background climate and XD . We proposed a geographically differentiated ‘PV CIE–vegetation response’ framework. Medium-scale, decentralised plants with superior shape complexity are preferable in relatively dry and warm regions; however, in cold, high-altitude areas, adjusting tilt and reducing panel density may mitigate vegetation risks. These findings quantify PV CIE characteristics, elucidate drivers, and inform coordinated energy development and ecological conservation. • PV power plants in arid regions generally produce a daytime cold island effect (CIE). • Stronger CIE is caused by higher morphological complexity rather than larger plant scale. • CIE significantly influences surrounding vegetation, regulated by local climate and cooling distance.