Sheep grazing solar farms: A sustainable solution for power generation
Sheep grazing on solar farms is proving to be a sustainable solution for power generation and a source of income for farmers. Marcus Gray, a wildlife conservation graduate, saw an opportunity to combine farming with renewable energy when he learned about sheep-grazing solar farms while working on grasslands management issues in the West. Now, he and Dominion Energy are testing the concept on six solar facilities.
The sheep are helping to solve two problems. First, their grazing prevents excessive plant growth that could block sunlight from reaching the solar panels, ensuring efficient power generation. Second, for farmers like Gray, the sheep offer a new source of income through a grazing lease arrangement with the solar farm operators.
This innovative approach is gaining traction in Virginia, where the sheep industry has historically been small compared to other livestock such as chickens and cattle. With just 107,000 sheep and lambs in the state, the industry has seen a decline in recent years. However, the sheep-grazing solar farms present an opportunity to revitalize the industry and bring new economic benefits to farmers.
Dominion Energy, a major player in the solar energy sector, plans to expand the sheep-grazing program to more of its solar facilities. The company currently operates 33 large-scale solar sites, and its goal is to develop an additional 800 to 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity each year by 2030. The sheep not only help maintain the vegetation around the panels but also contribute to improving soil quality through their grazing and waste.
For Marcus Gray, the sheep-grazing solar farms offer a cash flow opportunity that traditional farming methods could not provide. Instead of relying solely on annual crop sales, he now receives regular payments for his sheep’s grazing services. As the program expands, Gray hopes to find new markets for the sheep themselves, potentially exporting mutton to countries where it is in high demand.
The sheep grazing not only benefits the farmers but also enhances the visual appeal of the solar farms. Unlike mowing equipment, sheep can easily maneuver under the solar panels without causing any damage. The sight of grazing sheep is well-received by the public, creating a positive perception of renewable energy projects.
With the success of the pilot program, sheep-grazing solar farms are set to become a sustainable and profitable solution for power generation and agricultural development in Virginia and beyond. The combination of renewable energy and livestock farming creates a virtuous cycle that benefits both the environment and the economy.
