Agrivoltaic systems combine solar energy production with farming activities on the same land. This approach offers benefits to both sectors.
Farmers can earn extra income by leasing land to solar companies while still using it for agricultural purposes. Solar developers gain access to large open spaces for their arrays.
Some farmers graze sheep under solar panels to manage vegetation. The sheep keep grass short, reducing fire risks and panel shading.
This saves solar companies money on mowing and herbicides. The panels provide shade for the animals in hot weather.
In Texas, one farmer runs 4,000 sheep across multiple solar sites. He earns steady income from solar companies while continuing agricultural work. His family helps manage the operation across several states.
Cattle and Solar Arrays
Research is exploring ways to graze cattle under solar panels. The U.S. government is funding studies on this topic.
Combining solar with cattle ranching could make renewable energy more appealing in rural areas.
Cattle production uses 44% of U.S. farmland. Finding ways to integrate solar power with this major industry could expand clean energy adoption significantly.
Environmental Benefits
Agrivoltaic systems can improve soil health. Sheep grazing under panels adds natural fertilizer to the soil.
This increases organic matter and biodiversity. The shade from panels can also boost forage quality and quantity for livestock.
Using animals instead of mowers and chemicals reduces emissions and toxic runoff. The shade from panels provides relief for animals in hot climates.
Future Growth
Experts predict rapid growth in agrivoltaic systems. By 2031, the industry could be worth over $9 billion.
Some think regulations may soon require solar projects to include agricultural uses.
In Ohio, plans for a major solar farm gained approval partly due to integrating sheep grazing. Including agrivoltaics helped address concerns about losing farmland.
As solar energy expands to meet climate goals, agrivoltaic approaches could help overcome local opposition to large-scale projects.
Combining clean energy and agriculture may prove key to wider renewable adoption in rural areas.
