[Objective] The differences in near-surface micrometeorological characteristics inside and outside photovoltaic (PV) power plants were revealed, and the impact of large-scale PV power plant deployment on near-surface microclimate in Mu Us sandy land was evaluated, in order to provide a scientific basis for wind-sand control and ecological restoration in PV power plants. [Methods] Observational data were gathered from automatic weather stations to assess how the layout of photovoltaic power stations in the Mu Us sand land affects the near-surface microclimate. Microclimate elements (wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, and radiation) were compared between control points and various observation points within the station. [Results] ① Compared to the control area, both types of photovoltaic arrays exhibited significant changes in wind direction at a height of 2 m, presenting a more monotonous pattern. ② The temperature within the photovoltaic array areas was reduced. The maximum temperature decreases recorded between and beneath the fixed adjustable photovoltaic panels were 0.92 ℃ and 0.97 ℃, respectively. In comparison, the horizontal, single-axis photovoltaic panels showed maximum temperature reductions of 2.24 ℃ and 2.46 ℃ between and beneath the panels, respectively. ③ The relative humidity of the air in the photovoltaic array area increased, with the greatest increments occurring in the fixed adjustable photovoltaic area in December, where the inter-panel and under-panel areas increased by 3.77% and 2.31%, respectively. The horizontal, single-axis photovoltaic area experienced the largest increase in March, with inter- and under-panel areas rising by 15.86% and 15.44%, respectively. ④ The impact of the photovoltaic arrays on radiation was predominantly observed beneath the panels, with maximum reductions in solar radiation beneath the fixed adjustable and horizontal, single-axis photovoltaic panels of 91.30% and 88.27%, respectively, and maximum reductions in photosynthetically active radiation of 91.06% and 82.29%, respectively. [Conclusion] The deployment of large-scale photovoltaic power stations can alter wind direction, reduce air temperature, increase relative humidity, and decrease surface solar radiation and photosynthetically active radiation. Notably, the horizontal, single-axis photovoltaic array outperformed the fixed adjustable photovoltaic array in terms of its capacity to lower temperature and increase humidity.