When possible, we’re all about dual-usage solar arrays. Solar grazing is an excellent pairing with some of our bigger solar farms, like our 1MW solar system for the Candor School District. Sheep in particular are the most common solar grazing animal, as they are the best-suited species for the job. And they make solar a lot cuter.

Why are they the best-suited species, you may ask?

Sheep are naturally suited for solar grazing because they are the perfect size to hangout underneath the panels, enjoy the shade they provide on hot days, and graze. In a ground-mounted solar array, grass that gets too high can cast shade on the panels, lowering the energy production. Sheep are incredibly effective at controlling vegetation, specifically right underneath the panels where it is difficult for humans to reach.

We’re not trying to throw shade on other farm animals, but other livestock tend to cause damage to the panels and wiring, or even cast a shadow onto the panels due to their size. Sheep are really the perfect fit.

Furthermore, sheep are very complete grazers, which reduces or even eliminates the need for mowing, spraying or weed whacking at solar sites, which in turns reduces emissions and maintenance costs.

To conclude, solar sheep are low cost, eco-friendly, highly effective and highly adorable.

At our Candor Central School solar array, the sheep are living their best lives. They have shade, delicious vegetation, and they’re enclosed by a fence to protect them (and the panels) from predators and outside disturbances.