How Do Sheep Benefit from Agrivoltaics?
Sheep are one of the best livestock choices for grazing under solar panels. Unlike larger animals like cows or horses, sheep are small enough to move easily beneath the panels without damaging them. In fact, Agrivoltaic farms that incorporate sheep grazing see multiple benefits for both the sheep and the land.
Why Sheep and Solar Panels Work Well Together
Improved Grazing Conditions
Cooler Temperatures: Solar panels provide shade, reducing heat stress and allowing sheep to graze comfortably even on hot days.
Better Grass Growth: Partial shading from solar panels can help retain soil moisture, preventing grass from drying out too quickly in summer. This leads to longer and healthier grazing periods.
Healthier, Happier Sheep
Sheep prefer cooler environments—excessive heat can cause stress, lower wool quality, and even reduce fertility.
Panels provide a natural windbreak, reducing exposure to strong winds and extreme weather.
Less exposure to harsh sunlight helps reduce sunburn and overheating, especially in breeds with lighter wool or exposed skin.
Cost Savings & Reduced Maintenance
Farmers save on land maintenance costs because sheep naturally control grass and weeds, reducing the need for expensive mowing and herbicides.
Without sheep, solar farms often have to pay for mechanical landscaping to prevent overgrowth that could block sunlight from reaching the panels.
Sustainability & Soil Health
Grazing helps prevent soil erosion, as sheep trim rather than uproot vegetation, preserving the land’s natural cover.
Sheep manure enriches the soil, improving nutrient content and promoting healthy plant growth.
Better Wool & Meat Quality
Meat quality can also improve due to better grazing conditions and lower stress levels, leading to healthier, well-fed sheep.
Case studies
United States (Oregon & Minnesota): Solar farms using sheep for grazing reported 30-50% cost savings on vegetation management, with sheep maintaining the land more efficiently than machinery.
France & Germany: Studies showed improved wool and meat quality in sheep grazing under Agrivoltaic systems due to better nutrition and reduced heat stress.
UK (Devon & Scotland): Solar farms with sheep reported higher pasture productivity, as the partial shade encouraged more consistent grass growth throughout the year.
The takeaway
Sheep and solar farms are a perfect match—they keep the land productive, cut maintenance costs, and improve animal welfare. Farmers can earn from solar energy while still using their land for livestock, ensuring two revenue streams instead of one.
For sheep farmers, agrivoltaics offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to boost farm income while keeping pastures lush and livestock happy. It’s a win-win for both farming and renewable energy!