This study aims to investigate the mitigation of wind erosion and deposition beneath photovoltaic panels by elevating their installation height to suppress the narrow-channel effect beneath them, thereby protecting native vegetation in desert regions. Based on this objective, this study selected the photovoltaic array in the World Bank-funded Desertification Control Project Area at the southeastern margin of Tengger Desert, Zhongwei, Ningxia as the research subject. A combined research method of field observation and numerical simulation was adopted to focus on investigating the influence patterns of key parameters such as inflow wind speed, photovoltaic panel installation height, and array layout on the wind field characteristics around the array. Data validation indicates that the maximum relative error between numerical simulation results and observed wind speeds is only 7%, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of the research methodology. Findings reveal: (1) As airflow passes through the photovoltaic array, a deceleration zone forms on the windward side of the front row of panels, while wind speeds on the leeward side and atop the panels significantly increase, creating localized high-speed zones near the ground; In multi-row arrays, downstream wind speeds gradually decrease due to the blocking effect of preceding rows, with alternating low-speed zones and vortex regions forming between panels, resulting in overall reduced wind speeds. (2) The intensity of leeward vortices is strongest in the first row, weakening in subsequent rows. As incoming wind speed and installation height increase, vortex intensity initially strengthens before stabilizing. (3) A double vortex structure formed between the three rows of photovoltaic panels and on the leeward side of the third row. The vortex intensity between panels was significantly higher than on the leeward side, exhibiting counterclockwise and clockwise rotation characteristics, respectively. With increasing wind speed and installation height, the vortex area expanded, and the intensity first increased and then stabilized. (4) Increased wind speed significantly elevated the volume fraction of sand particles and expanded their influence range. Raising the installation height of photovoltaic panels improved airflow circulation beneath the panels, reducing accumulation near the panels. However, increasing the number of array rows expanded the influence range of sand particles, and the vortex interactions induced by multi-row structures intensified the dispersion and uneven distribution of sand particles. In summary, as PV panel height increases, wind erosion and sand accumulation tend to diminish, while also reducing the impact of PV panels on shrubs beneath them. This study provides theoretical support for operational design and array optimization in desert regions, integrating sand control with ecological development through photovoltaic systems.