US Solar Farms Turn to Sheep to Manage Vegetation

In Massachusetts, solar farm owners are using sheep to graze land beneath photovoltaic panels instead of traditional lawnmowers. The unusual approach addresses a practical problem, grass and weeds grow rapidly under panels, and mowers risk damaging equipment or requiring fossil fuels.

Researchers found solar panels create a microclimate that retains moisture, encouraging plant growth even faster than in open areas. The company Solar Shepherd began partnering with local farms to deploy sheep, which maintain safe grass heights while navigating the panel infrastructure.

This “solar grazing” exemplifies agrivoltaics, integrating agriculture with solar energy production. This method reduces maintenance costs, noise pollution, herbicide use, and fossil fuel consumption while naturally fertilizing the soil. Landowners benefit from long-term contracts, and farmers gain access to grazing land.