Are solar panels a good idea for sheep farming?

Professor Kenyon will be part of the team at the Mystery Creek Pavilion (site PB44) from 14-17 June. A pilot study indicates that combining solar panels with a pastoral sheep farming system could have both positive and negative impacts on pasture growth.

Can solar panels improve pasture growth?

A pilot study indicates that combining solar panels with a pastoral sheep farming system could have both positive and negative impacts on pasture growth. Solar panels on the farm in Taranaki where the trial is taking place.

Can grazing sheep graze around solar panels in New Zealand?

Initial results from the study will be available in a year’s time. A new Massey University study will explore the potential for combined solar and pastoral farming in New Zealand by grazing sheep around solar panels on a Taranaki farm.

How can solar panels benefit rural communities?

Economic and social impact: On an economic and social level, such systems can be very beneficial for rural communities—for income diversification, improving access to electricity, and achieving greater economic stability—and even for solar panel developers .

Should solar panels be adapted to a specific crop species?

It would also be interesting to design solar panels adapted to the specific needs of certain crop species, allowing the passage of light frequencies beneficial for plant growth and capturing those frequencies that crops do not use .

How AV systems can reduce the budget for irrigation & solar panel cleaning?

AV systems can play an important role in reducing the budget for irrigation or solar panel cleaning . On the one hand, water used to maintain the efficiency of the panels can be used to irrigate crops, and on the other hand, agrivoltaic systems can provide the energy needed to maintain pumping and irrigation systems.