We bring local AG to SOLAR!
AgriSolar Ranch provides Vegetation/Grounds maintenance of Solar Farms through a customizable combination of rotationally grazed livestock, Mowing, Spraying (if required), Wildflower plantings, Hay cutting, Apiary management, Vegetable and Fruit crop plantings.
The average solar farm in our Mid – Atlantic region requires mowing 4-6 times a year depending on climate conditions and rainfall totals.
With decades of farm management experience and animal husbandry, combined with experience in the solar fields, we have proven traditional mowing can be reduced down to 2 cuttings per year – that of which is to knock down taller “weeds” or end of year pollinator plantings.
WHY SHEEP?
Sheep have been found to be the most symbiotic hoofed species to co-exist with solar, they live to eat grasses and native vegetation. University and Industry studies have shown agrivoltaics to be less expensive than traditional O&M, while rotational grazing creates a healthy topsoil that is more permeable to water runoff. Agrivoltaics also reduces overall panel temperature.
We specifically raise wool-less and horn-less varieties of sheep called “hair sheep”. Because wool sweaters are itchy and sheep agree, grazing hair sheep on solar drastically reduces rubbing and itching on equipment. Sites that do have equipment concerns, we install polywire fiberglass fences to exclude these to the flock.
Sheep are highly compatible with pollinator plantings as sheep have a discerning palate which is different from that of a butterfly. Sheep support wildflowers by disturbing seeds and pollen via wool and droppings. Combining rotationally grazed sheep with other animals such as poultry species, offers an even more precise and eco-friendly vegetation abatement procedure. For weedy vegetation around CAB Lines, Pylons, Sediment Basins, and Fences – we have in-house trained and OSHA certified landscapers ready to tidy things up – if and when needed. We also partner with local landscaping companies to keep weeds in check and ensure their crews are certified to meet site safety regulations and policies.
Sheep on solar creates great press! Practicing Agrivoltaics establishes friendly relations with the community! Solar sites planned with agrivoltaics in mind, is a fantastic way to get communities pro-solar. AgriSolar Ranch staff spend half our time at board meetings presenting Solar as versatile agricultural land!
Unlike humans – sheep don’t cause accidental property and equipment damage. The only thing we ask – please ensure all PV cables are correctly secured/zip-tied to equipment and panels. When ties break, they can hang down and create a noose/lasso that of which could potentially catch a sheep and cause the PV cable to become unplugged at the connector once the sheep pulls through.
We partner with highly qualified, local veterinarians to perform our flocks “preventative maintenance“.