How 1,700 Sheep Grazing Among Solar Panels Spark Remarkable Changes

At the Wellington Solar Farm located in New South Wales, Australia, an innovative three-year trial has involved 1,700 merino sheep grazing amid solar panel arrays. This project, spearheaded by Lightsourcebp together with EMM Consulting and Elders Rural Services, aimed to assess how solar installations might influence the health and development of sheep compared to conventional pasture grazing.

Harnessing Agrivoltaics: Merging Solar Power with Livestock Farming

Agrivoltaics is an emerging practice that integrates farming activities with solar energy production on shared land. While solar farms typically operate without animals, introducing sheep to manage vegetation under panels reduces maintenance efforts and offers a green alternative. In this experiment, the flock was divided into two groups: one grazed on standard pastures, while the other was allowed to roam beneath the solar panels.

Findings showed positive effects: the solar panels provided shelter from intense heat and harsh weather, acting as shade and protection. This shield also helped the soil retain moisture, resulting in richer, more nutritious grass for the sheep.

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Boosted Wool Production and Enhanced Animal Health

The benefits went beyond just protection. Observations indicated that sheep grazing among the panels displayed better overall health. The solar arrays potentially reduced parasite exposure, fostering a cleaner environment. These favorable conditions contributed to increased wool growth and more resilient wool fibers.

Brendan Clarke, acting environmental planning manager for Australia and New Zealand at Lightsourcebp, commented, “The promising results confirm we are moving in the right direction, and collaborating closely with farmers is essential to further expand our understanding in this field.”

Findings from the study. credit: lightsourcebp

French Research Further Validates Solar Grazing Advantages

Complementary research conducted in France adds to the evidence supporting agrivoltaics. A 2024 investigation led by INRAE, the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, alongside energy providers Statkraft and CVE, monitored 24 sheep over two years. Their report highlighted “positive outcomes, especially regarding the flock’s well-being,” including improved thermal comfort and higher forage quality.

INRAE researcher Véronique Deiss affirmed, “Animals experience increased thermal comfort and a greater availability of high-quality forage, among other benefits.”

Collectively, these investigations suggest that integrating grazing animals within solar farms promotes renewable energy targets while simultaneously enhancing livestock health and welfare.