Undergraduate students Tyler Swanson and Quin Karhoff surveyed American solar graziers to identify the costs and revenues associated with solar grazing. They were supported by Post-Doctoral Researcher Jessica Guarino and Professor A. Bryan Endres.
Solar development and agricultural use can exist not only side-by-side, but increasingly are found together.
A farmer can add solar to their property and get steady income from a land or rooftop array.
Solar energy facilities can also collaborate with local farms and bee-keeping organizations to incorporate pollinator friendly plants and bee hives onto their sites.
Responsible solar development could improve soil health, retain water, nurture native species, produce food, and provide even lower-cost energy to local communities.
Sheep farmers have opportunities to contract for vegetation management of solar sites and thus increase farm viability.
