Can sheep be raised under rural photovoltaic panels

Do solar panels make sheep grazing better?

Tom Warren lets his sheep run between the solar panels. (ABC Rural: Hannah Jose) Sheep grazing under solar panels at farms in NSW's Central West have produced better wool and more of it in the four years since the projects began, according to growers.

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.

What livestock can be used for solar panels?

The most common livestock used for this purpose are sheep but other options are possible. Sheep are short enough not to block sunshine from most solar arrays, do not typically disturb equipment and enjoy the shade under panels on sunny days. They are not as likely as goats to harm the infrastructure.

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.

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.

What are the benefits of sheep at solar farms?

Another benefit from sheep at solar farms is the enjoyment derived by the public when visiting or in news reports. Vernon Electric Cooperative in Wisconsin has different herds that forage at their solar arrays and have found it helps the project to integrate with the farming community.