With an increasing global focus on decarbonization and sustainability, many farmers and landowners are seeking alternative solutions to reduce their operational costs and lower their carbon footprints. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, there are over 5,000 solar farms across the United States. Utilizing solar panels for energy production offers significant benefits to the environment including reduced air pollution and carbon footprint. However, landowners must take the necessary steps to properly maintain these solar fields to ensure optimal performance. For example, if not consistently maintained, unchecked vegetation, particularly tall grass, can block sunlight and hinder maintenance, reducing the efficiency of solar arrays. The solution? Sheep grazing solar farm.
The Growing Popularity of Solar Grazing
To ensure solar panel efficiency, and to avoid any disruptions to direct sunlight, farmers and landowners are turning to an unexpected resource: Sheep. Solar grazing is an increasingly popular maintenance strategy that involves utilizing livestock like flocks of sheep to control vegetation on solar farms. This practice can be adopted by farmers with existing livestock who can use their sheep or other animals to graze their solar sites. In addition, farmers can outsource their livestock to other properties who require the resource but don’t have immediate access to it.
Due to their size and grazing habits, sheep are particularly well-suited for solar grazing. They can easily move under solar panels, which provide shelter from the sun, rain, and wind. According to the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), sheep maintain over 4,000 acres of solar sites in the eastern United States. This practice is also gaining traction in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Australia, and South America.
Short- and Long-Term Benefits of Solar Grazing
Solar grazing presents a game-changing opportunity for small and large sheep producers and solar site landowners. Farmers can earn additional income by renting their livestock for grazing services without removing land from food production. Livestock grazing significantly reduces the need for mowing and will therefore cut costs and emissions associated with mowing equipment. Moreover, grazing prevents vegetation from obstructing solar panels, ensuring optimal performance without damaging the infrastructure. Integrating solar grazing into solar farm operations can create a more sustainable and efficient future for energy production and agricultural practices.
Solar Energy Audits with Stark Tech
At Stark Tech, we specialize in developing solar sites and optimizing land use for solar panels. We act as the owner’s agent in solar project development, serving as the primary contact between the landowner, financier, and solar developer to maximize long-term benefits. Our services include 24/7 monitoring and prompt response to system alerts and issues. Additionally, our data analytics platform ensures that assets are maximized, preventing loss of efficiency or profit.
Stark Tech is a market-leading technology provider, delivering turnkey solutions with master systems integration, equipment, and service. We drive sustainability goals and help facilities stay on mission. Additionally, Stark Tech manufactures large, skidded equipment that decarbonizes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by converting waste to renewable natural gas.
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Stark Tech is a market leading technology provider, delivering turnkey solutions with master systems integration, equipment, and service, and building analytics that drive sustainability goals and keep facilities on their mission. Stark Tech also manufacturers large, skidded equipment that decarbonizes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy sources and by converting waste into renewable natural gas.
