Use of Solar Panels for Shade for Holstein Heifers

Abstract/Summary:

Using photovoltaic panels to provide artificial shade for animals can result in the “co-generation” of electrical energy, and it is an efficient way of achieving net-zero methane emission and reducing one of the most powerful greenhouse gases (GHG). This concept and practice is termed
“Animal Agrivoltaics”. In this study, we examined the impacts of Animal Agrivoltaics on the thermal comfort and wellbeing experienced by dairy heifers, and the potential benefit of offsetting enteric methane emissions (eCH4, g animal−1 day−1). The shade provided by the solar panels efficiently relieved the heat load on the heifers, cooled off their body surface and skin temperatures, and decreased the costs of thermoregulation, as indicated by the lower requirement of panting. Based on the mean daily methane emission rate and the amount of equivalent CO2 (CO2-eq, g day−1) that was not emitted into the atmosphere due to electricity generated by the solar panels, 4.1 m2 of solar panels would be necessary to offset the eCH4 emitted by the heifers.