As solar farms expand across the country, landowners and developers are exploring ways to maintain the land around solar panels while also supporting sustainable agriculture. One innovative solution that’s gaining traction is solar grazing—the practice of using sheep to manage vegetation on solar sites.
Why Sheep?
Solar fields require regular mowing to prevent tall grass and weeds from shading panels. Traditional mowing equipment can be costly, fuel-intensive, and sometimes risky to use near sensitive solar arrays. Sheep, on the other hand:
- Gently graze vegetation without damaging equipment.
- Reach under and around panels more easily than machines.
- Reduce the need for herbicides, supporting healthier soil and biodiversity.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Solar grazing is more than just an efficient way to mow. It also creates a dual-use system where clean energy production and agriculture support each other.
- Carbon reduction: Lower reliance on fossil-fuel mowing equipment.
- Soil health: Sheep manure naturally enriches the land.
- Local farming support: Graziers can earn income by partnering with solar developers.
A Win-Win Partnership
For solar developers, solar grazing keeps sites compliant with vegetation management requirements while cutting costs. For farmers, it provides new pastures and income streams. And for communities, it demonstrates a visible commitment to sustainability.
The Future of Solar Grazing
As renewable energy expands, solar grazing offers a scalable, environmentally friendly, and community-focused solution. By pairing solar with sheep, we can make land management more sustainable while producing clean power for the future.
