In rural Texas, the solar industry is utilizing livestock in a novel way. The growing trend of solar grazing allows sheep to maintain weed control in solar fields, creating a symbiotic relationship between the renewable energy sector and agriculture.
The American Solar Grazing Association reports that over 60 solar grazing projects have been established in the U.S., reflecting a rising trend that integrates livestock into solar farm management.
This innovative approach not only provides an eco-friendly method for controlling vegetation under solar panels—because sheep can navigate smaller spaces than lawnmowers—but also revitalizes the struggling sheep and wool market, benefiting both farmers and energy producers.
"The industry tends to rely on gas-powered mowers, which kind of contradicts the purpose of renewables," said SB Energy asset manager James Hawkins, highlighting the sustainability of using sheep instead.
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