Comments on: Solar sheep are eating away at the O&M competition 2020 Trends in Solar

By: Valerie C.

Valerie C. — Sun, 23 May 2021 02:52:23 +0000

How about using alpacas for grazing? Are there any health concerns for the livestock being around the electric producing solar panels? Thanks!

By: Rishon Katsidzira

Rishon Katsidzira — Fri, 14 May 2021 08:17:53 +0000

Good initiative, reduces carbon footprint and at the same time enhances livelihoods to the communities surrounding the project

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:47:06 +0000

I think it’s important to point out that no two sites are built exactly the same, so grazing costs vary. Comparing to mowing, while understandable, leaves out so many of the benefits of grazing. It improves the soil, it reduces risk to the solar asset, and it can strengthen the bond between communities and solar operators. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a smarter way to make use of the land. These sites can produce more than electricity. Solar sites can help produce wholesome, local, satisfying food for the community.

By: Lexie Hain

Lexie Hain — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 21:00:09 +0000

Planning your solar site for solar grazing is one key to success. With a grazing plan (a Prescribed Grazing Plan custom written for each solar site), a seed mix that is both grazing & solar friendly, and a managed system for the sheep, the sheep should thrive and shading should not be an issue for the panels. Sheep can outperform mowers and humans with weedeaters on all kinds of solar sites, but the rougher the terrain, the more this becomes clear. Getting in early with farmers in the community you are developing your project will increase your chances of success.

Sheep will also work well with pollinators in many settings – especially if that is a goal from the outset. Biodiversity and conservation grazing go hand in hand.

Our organization, the American Solar Grazing Association, strives to develop best practices for solar grazing, support the growing solar grazing community, and build this developing industry. Please join and support our efforts! http://www.solargrazing.org

And since you asked, no goats.

By: Donald Osborn

Donald Osborn — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 18:34:49 +0000

In reply to Joseph Metelski. Goats are more likely to eat wires and jump on the modules (despite slope). We have seen this on some farm projects where goats got in to the array by accident. Their hoofs did crack several modules.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 18:17:33 +0000

Yep. Even miniature goats can jump to amazing heights! On the other hand, they can eat stuff that sheep won’t touch.

By: Richard A Zander

Richard A Zander — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:43:22 +0000

We have large sheep operations in Wyoming that may be interested in this type of activity.

By: Kelly Pickerel

Kelly Pickerel — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 19:38:21 +0000

In reply to Joseph Metelski.

We have reported on goats being used before! The key is that they have to be small in stature so they’re less inclined to jump on the panels https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2016/08/dont-eat-solar-om-costs-leave-four-legs/

By: Joseph Metelski

Joseph Metelski — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:25:24 +0000

Should also consider goats; maybe better – not sure.