Can sheep graze around solar panels?

Sheep graze along arrays of solar panels in Hammond, Minnesota. ‘Solar grazing’ around panels is providing a lifeline to the US shepherding sector as clean energy expands. Stung by high fuel costs and a labor squeeze, some clean energy companies are turning to an unlikely ally — flocks of sheep — to keep their solar panels out of the shade.

Do Sheep fit under solar panels?

Sheep, on the other hand, fit nicely under the panels, typically built 2–3 feet off the ground, and they keep their heads down for the business at hand. The panels provide shelter and shade. Studies are also finding that vegetation planted for grazing under solar panels helps keep the panels cool, boosting energy production.

Are sheep better than goats on solar farms?

There are a few reasons sheep are the superior choice for grazing on solar farms. For one, they are shorter than cows and horses. They will also eat most kinds of forage, which helps keep plant growth at bay. Goats, on the other hand, will chew pretty much anything, which is a bit of a risk on solar farms.

Can grazing under solar panels boost energy production?

Studies are also finding that vegetation planted for grazing under solar panels helps keep the panels cool, boosting energy production. Sheep feed from a mix of plants growing at the Nittany 1 solar array in central Pennsylvania. The plants were selected to support the sheep’s nutritional needs and attract pollinating insects. Lightsource BP

Is grazing cattle under solar panels a good idea?

There is growing interest in grazing cattle underneath solar panels. This year, the Energy Department launched the Large Animal and Solar System Operations (LASSO) Prize, providing millions of dollars for research around solar development and cattle grazing.

Can solar grazing help farmers feed their flocks?

A herd of sheep move between rows of photovoltaic panels at the Azure Sky solar project in Haskell County, Tex. Solar grazing helps farmers feed their flocks while the expanding solar industry provides more clean energy to the grid.