You Might Be a Solar Grazier if… Lessons Learned From a Utility Scale Solar Shepherd

During this workshop, landowner and experienced solar grazier Jeff Smith of Pennsylvania joined us to share lessons learned from over five years of grazing utility-scale solar sites in the Northeast. As both a grazier and someone who has leased his land to a solar developer, Jeff brought a unique dual perspective to the conversation.

The discussion covered Jeff’s approach to launching and managing a solar grazing operation, including evaluating site conditions, understanding equipment needs, and managing relationships with solar companies. He also reflected on common challenges, key skills for graziers, and the realities of adapting practices to different regions and sites.

This workshop offered practical, hard-earned advice for graziers at any stage, along with insights for landowners and solar operators interested in successful, site-specific grazing partnerships.

Jeff covered opportunities for solar grazing in the Northeast and what factors are considered for a region with higher rainfall and rolling terrain. Solar grazing creates a sustainable business model, utilizing existing pastureland for solar and livestock production. For a utility-scale solar grazing operation to be successful, specific investments are needed. This includes sheep, mowing equipment, fencing systems, transportation, livestock guardian dogs, and site-specific knowledge.

Characteristics of effective solar graziers were also described. To be successful, graziers should be flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing site conditions, weather patterns, and contract requirements. Communication skills, problem-solving abilities, business acumen, and technical knowledge are also beneficial.

Jeff discussed how geographic location impacts operational requirements. Northeast sites typically receive high rainfall patterns, creating rapid vegetation growth. Additionally, rolling terrain creates erosion concerns and difficult mowing conditions. Construction compaction creates hardpan areas, requiring remediation, while panel configuration affects grazing access and mowing requirements. Vegetation growth after construction disturbance is influenced by native seed banks. Due to these factors, graziers should be knowledgeable of site conditions, and how to manage their livestock to promote healthy soils, while staying in compliance with vegetation height maintenance requirements.

To manage this, most utility-scale operations require a hybrid approach, which balances sheep and mechanical management. Prior to determining a management approach, the site should be assessed, and a strategy determined. Sheep are used as the primary tool, with mowing as a backup for specific situations.

Jeff covered common challenges that graziers must be prepared for. This includes weather variations, construction debris, communication delays, site access issues, equipment failures, and contractor interactions. Despite these challenges, utility-scale solar grazing offers compelling advantages. Examples include a sustainable business model, landowner opportunities, relationship building, and community engagement.

Experienced solar graziers, like Jeff, recommend practical management tips. For example, purchasing a used mower rather than a new one can help with equipment acquisition. Jeff uses a four-wire system with poly braid for reliable containment on solar sites. His sheep are sourced locally, and the sheep are lambed on solar. Finally, maintaining site maps showing sheep location can be helpful for maintenance crews.