Solar Farms are Booming in the US and Putting Thousands of Hungry Sheep to Work
In rural Texas, beneath sprawling rows of solar panels, a flock of stocky sheep diligently grazes, driven by their single-minded task: munching on grass. The booming solar industry has adopted an unexpected mascot: the humble sheep. As large-scale solar farms proliferate across the United States, particularly in Texas, the synergy between renewable energy and livestock grazing is becoming increasingly evident.
In Milam County, just outside of Austin, SB Energy operates one of the largest solar projects in the country, which generates an impressive 900 megawatts of power across 4,000 acres. To manage the burgeoning grass, the farm employs about 3,000 sheep, which navigate the intricate spaces between solar panels much more effectively than traditional lawnmowers.
This unique approach to land management is part of a greater trend known as solar grazing. The method, which integrates agriculture and solar energy production on the same land, is gaining traction, with more than 60 solar grazing projects currently operational in the U.S. The American Solar Grazing Association notes that 27 states are now involved in this innovative practice. James Hawkins, an asset manager at SB Energy, pointed out the contradiction in using gas-powered mowers in renewable energy spaces, reinforcing the appeal of employing sheep instead.
Utilizing sheep to graze on solar farms not only helps maintain the land but also supports the struggling sheep and wool market. Recent reports indicate that Texas’s inventory of sheep and lambs has fallen to 655,000, representing a 4% decrease from the previous year. By repurposing ideal grazing lands for solar fields, energy producers and farmers can collaborate to bolster both industries.
Sheepherder JR Howard stumbled into Texas’s clean energy revolution when he began contracting his sheep to graze on solar fields in 2021. What started as a small operation has rapidly transformed into a bustling enterprise with over 8,000 sheep and a dedicated team of 26 employees. According to Howard, the business expansion has been remarkable, positively impacting his family and their livelihood.
Agricultural experts observe that Howard’s experience exemplifies how solar farms can create new opportunities for ranchers. Reid Redden, a sheep farmer and solar vegetation manager in San Angelo, Texas, emphasized that solar grazing represents perhaps the most significant opportunity for the sheep industry in generations.
The reception towards solar grazing in rural communities surrounding South Texas solar farms has been incredibly positive, as it helps ease the concerns associated with the large-scale installation of solar projects. Redden noted that it softens the impact of introducing substantial solar facilities.
Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining solar energy with agricultural activities, is not a new concept. Solar farms require substantial land, which often overlaps with areas suitable for food production. By allowing crops or livestock to coexist with energy generation, agrivoltaics offers a practical solution for optimizing land use.
Despite its growing popularity, there remain many unanswered questions about the long-term effects of solar grazing. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, an assistant professor in regenerative system ecology at Texas A&M University, mentioned that while solar grazing may increase sheep productivity due to shade from panels, not enough comprehensive studies have been conducted to accurately assess the future viability of the soil for agriculture.
As one of the leading solar sheep operators in Texas, Howard faces an increasing demand for his services; he plans to hire around 20 additional employees by the year’s end, nearly doubling his current workforce. In terms of sheep, he indicates he has more than enough to meet the growing needs of the solar farm industry.
In summary, the rise of solar farms across the U.S. presents an exciting opportunity for integrating renewable energy with sustainable agriculture. The collaboration between solar energy providers and livestock operations like sheep grazing demonstrates a promising pathway for rural communities to benefit from both sectors.
