A recent U.S. census by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) reveals a major shift in how solar farms are managed — through solar grazing.
A recent PV Magazine article reports that over 120,000 acres of land with solar installations are now being grazed by livestock, primarily sheep, in a practice that benefits both energy production and agricultural use.
“The scale of solar grazing in the U.S. is much larger than previously understood,” said ASGA and NREL in their joint findings.
This practice, also known as agrivoltaics, allows farmers and landowners to generate income from energy while maintaining viable land for livestock. Benefits include reduced vegetation management costs, healthier soil, and increased biodiversity.
The survey also found that:
Over 90% of respondents saw environmental or financial motivation to adopt solar grazing.
Nearly 47% of respondents were already active grazers.
Sheep were by far the most common animals used.
Why It Matters in Ontario:
As Ontario continues to expand its solar energy footprint, solar grazing represents a smart, sustainable solution for rural and agricultural landowners. It opens the door for dual-purpose land use, reduces the need for mechanical mowing, and supports the local farming economy.At HelioTechnik, we believe in embracing innovations that drive both clean energy and sustainable land use. While solar grazing is still gaining traction in Canada, we’re watching the trend closely and are excited about its potential.
Source: Solar grazing undergoing rapid growth, census finds – PV Magazine USA, June 18, 2024.
