Solar Grazing

Managed solar grazing uses sheep as the primary tool to control vegetation beneath and around solar infrastructure as part of a planned vegetation-management program.

Discuss Your Site

Professional Grazing Management

Successful solar grazing depends on planning and active management. The number of animals, grazing duration, water requirements, containment plan, and monitoring schedule must reflect the conditions of the individual facility.

Evaluating the Property
Selecting an appropriate flock
Determining Stocking Rates
Planning timing and animal movement
Transporting the animals
Providing the water
Monitoring forage and animal health
Coordinating with facility personnel
Adjusting the plan as conditions change

Where Sheep Can Work

Properly managed sheep can reach vegetation throughout the solar array, including areas that may be inconvenient for larger equipment.

Beneath panels with suitable clearance
Between panel rows
Along selected fence lines
Around compatible site infrastructure
Through seasonal vegetation growth
In areas that are inconvenient for large mowing equipment

Access Around Panels

Sheep can move beneath and between panel structures and reach vegetation in areas that may be awkward for larger equipment.

Reduced Mechanical Work

Grazing can reduce the frequency with which certain areas require mowing or trimming as part of the facility’s overall vegetation plan.

Continued Agricultural Use

Solar grazing allows the property to produce renewable energy while remaining part of a working agricultural system.

Why Sheep Work Well Around Solar Infrastructure

Their size and grazing behavior make sheep well suited to managing vegetation beneath and between solar infrastructure.

Flexible Management

Flock size, timing, and animal movement can be adjusted as vegetation, weather, and facility conditions change.

Access Around Panels

Sheep can move beneath and between panel structures and reach vegetation in areas that may be awkward for larger equipment.

Reduced Mechanical Work

Grazing can reduce the frequency with which certain areas require mowing or trimming as part of the facility’s overall vegetation plan.

Continued Agricultural Use

Solar grazing allows the property to produce renewable energy while remaining part of a working agricultural system.

Flexible Management

Flock size, timing, and animal movement can be adjusted as vegetation, weather, and facility conditions change.

SITE-SPECIFIC PLANNING

A property’s acreage alone does not determine the correct flock size or grazing schedule. Forage availability, vegetation goals, season, water, infrastructure, and required timing all affect how the work should be planned. Relevant factors might include:

Site-Specific Planning

Perimeter fencing
Gates and access points
Water availability
Distance from livestock support
Seasonal conditions
Safety requirements
Other contractors working on the property

Acreage
Vegetation type
Vegetation height and density
Panel design and ground clearance
Exposed wires or sensitive equipment
Terrain
Construction or maintenance schedules

Acreage
Vegetation type
Vegetation height and density
Panel design and ground clearance
Exposed wires or sensitive equipment
Terrain
Construction or maintenance schedules

Perimeter fencing
Gates and access points
Water availability
Distance from livestock support
Seasonal conditions
Safety requirements
Other contractors working on the property

Have a Site in Mind?

Send us the property location, approximate acreage, project status, and current vegetation-management needs. We can begin by determining what additional information would be needed for an initial review.

Submit Site Information