Solar grazing is an innovative practice gaining momentum across the United States, where sheep graze beneath and around solar panels on solar farms. . Solar shepherds, who manage sheep grazing under solar panels, are part of a growing movement that combines agriculture and renewable energy — and offers high incomes in the process. Fresh results from a multi-year field trial suggest grazing beneath photovoltaic arrays can work for both energy and agriculture without hurting wool quality—and. . What began with 30 sheep on their family farm turned into a flock of 1,300, which wouldn't have been possible without the help of agrivoltaics to boost their income. The sheep serve as natural lawnmowers for projects like the Lund Hill solar farm in Klickitat County--the state's largest solar facility.
[PDF Version]
Sheep play a crucial role in maintaining solar farms by grazing the grass that can block sunlight from reaching the panels. Taller grass can create shade, reducing solar panel efficiency. By keeping the grass short, sheep ensure that the panels get maximum exposure to the sun . . Agrivoltaics make the most of land set aside for solar panels. The five-acre array is the largest in the state and can generate 2. 6 megawatts of renewable electricity, which reduces TMMWV's C02 emissions by an estimated 4 million pounds per year.
[PDF Version]
Menu
