AUSTRALIA – It’s not every day that an experiment involving 1,700 merino sheep and solar panels makes headlines—but that’s exactly what’s happening in Australia. In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that combining solar energy production with sheep grazing not only helps maintain clean energy sites, but may also enhance the quality of wool.
Welcome to the world of agrivoltaics, where agriculture and technology come together in ways few could have predicted. The practice of using the same land for both farming and solar power generation. As the need for sustainable energy increases, so does the interest in efficient land use. Traditionally, one might think you need to choose between food or energy. But agrivoltaics offers a win-win solution, allowing farmers to raise crops or livestock beneath solar panels.
In this case, sheep are the stars of the story—acting like eco-friendly lawnmowers, trimming grass and reducing the need for costly maintenance around solar panels. But that’s just the beginning.
A Three-Year Study With Unexpected Outcomes
At the Wellington Solar Farm in New South Wales, researchers partnered with Lightsourcebp, EMM Consulting, and Elders Rural Services to observe 1,700 merino sheep over a period of three years. The animals were split into two groups: one grazed on traditional pastures, while the other roamed between rows of solar installations.
The aim was to assess whether this unique environment had any impact on the sheep’s health and wool quality. The results, published in early 2025, caught everyone off guard: sheep grazing beneath solar panels produced wool that showed stronger fibers and, in some cases, increased growth.
Several factors could explain the improved wool quality in the solar-grazing group. First, the shade from the panels offers sheep protection from extreme heat, reducing thermal stress—a known factor that can negatively affect wool production. Second, shaded areas help retain moisture in the soil, improving grass quality and reducing dust exposure, both of which are beneficial for wool cleanliness and condition.
Interestingly, the setup might also reduce the presence of parasites, creating a healthier environment for the flock. The idea that a solar farm could double as a natural sanctuary for sheep is turning heads in both the energy and agricultural industries.
Beyond the benefit to wool, the study highlights how agrivoltaic systems can lower maintenance costs by cutting the need for mechanical mowing or herbicides. According to Brendan Clarke from Lightsourcebp, this dual-use land model offers an appealing balance between renewable energy generation and traditional farming. It also creates opportunities for rural economic development while preserving biodiversity.
Other countries, including France and Germany, are also experimenting with agrivoltaics in viticulture, market gardening, and even beekeeping, suggesting a global interest in the model. In Bavaria, the Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft has issued guidelines to help local farmers adopt this approach thoughtfully.
A Promising Model With Some Caveats
Despite the encouraging results, the researchers behind the Australian study are connected to Lightsourcebp, a company affiliated with oil giant BP, which raises questions about impartiality. Experts also emphasize that agrivoltaic projects must be tailored to each region’s specific climate and agricultural context. Impact assessments are critical to avoid unintended consequences.
Still, this project offers a compelling case for rethinking how we use land. The sheep, it turns out, are not just grazing—they’re helping us envision a future where clean energy and sustainable farming coexist in harmony.
The Road Ahead for Solar Grazing
This unexpected synergy between sheep and solar panels shows that nature and technology don’t have to compete—they can collaborate. By protecting water resources, enhancing biodiversity, and boosting wool production, agrivoltaics could reshape how we approach land use in a warming world.
In a landscape often divided between agriculture and energy, the humble sheep might just become a symbol of a smarter, greener future.
Story was published in GlassAlmanac
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