ASGA recently hosted a one-day solar professional training in Schaumburg, Illinois, on September 10, as part of RE+ Midwest. The workshop brought together solar industry professionals for an in-depth introduction to solar grazing and the role of sheep in vegetation management at solar sites.
Designed for solar industry professionals, the training provided an overview of what to expect when incorporating sheep into solar site operations. Participants explored topics ranging from grazing management, sheep behavior and welfare, and on-site equipment to sheep-friendly site design, pasture establishment, and the role of working dogs. The workshop also emphasized the importance of positive partnerships between solar companies and graziers, as well as the differences between grazed and mowed sites.
Following the classroom session, participants had the opportunity to see solar grazing in action during a tour of Sunvest Energy’s Plato Solar Project. The site visit offered a firsthand look at the day-to-day realities of managing sheep at a solar facility and an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with on-site operations.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Schaumburg and helped make this training a valuable opportunity for solar professionals to learn more about solar grazing. We are especially appreciative of our training sponsors and host, AgriSolar Alliance and CAB Solar. By building understanding and strengthening relationships between the solar and agricultural industries, trainings like this help support successful, long-term solar grazing partnerships.