Source:
Small Ruminant Research, Volume 241Author(s):
Anna Vaughan
Alan Brent
Topic(s):
Additional Keywords:
Renewable energy, Solar photovoltaics, Pastoral production, Dual land usage, Sustainability
Abstract/Summary:
Highlights
•Agrivoltaics is the dual land-usage solution with the integration of solar PV arrays with ongoing agricultural production.
•Previous and ongoing research suggests there are (potentially) mutual benefits for both operations to occur on the same land – if designed well.
•The farming of small ruminants, especially sheep, is particularly suited for agrivoltaics. The sheep aid solar farm operators with vegetation management and associated costs.
•The PV arrays influence the microclimate conditions on the farm in terms of wind speed (and direction), temperature and humidity, providing for better animal welfare in terms of heat stress and protection against harsh weather – especially in the face of climate change.
•A number of uncertainties remain, and further quantifications of many aspects are needed with longitudinal data from different contexts around the world.