Solar Farms May Offer New Revenue for Livestock Producers

By Blake Jackson

Combining agricultural production with renewable energy generation could provide Pennsylvania farmers with additional opportunities to keep farmland productive while supporting the growing solar energy sector.

According to Penn State Extension, dual-use agriculture offers a way to generate electricity and maintain livestock production on the same property.

In Pennsylvania, the most common example of this approach involves sheep grazing beneath and around large solar panel installations. This arrangement can benefit both livestock producers and solar developers by creating shared operational efficiencies and additional revenue opportunities.

However, researchers and industry participants are also exploring whether cattle could be incorporated into solar grazing systems.

Pennsylvania has approximately 97,000 sheep compared with 1.4 million beef and dairy cattle, according to USDA figures cited by Penn State Extension. The larger cattle population provides a potentially wider group of farmers who could participate in solar grazing agreements.

Cattle could benefit from quality forage and shade provided by solar panels. Research has identified reduced heat stress as one of the potential advantages of grazing beneath panels, helping improve animal comfort and safety.

Grazing also offers farmers an opportunity to reduce expenses associated with purchased feed and fertilizer. Additionally, cattle can consume larger quantities of forage and cover more ground than sheep.

However, cattle present certain challenges for solar installations. Their size and behavior can increase the risk of damage to panels, electrical wiring, and other equipment. They also tend to graze more selectively than sheep, potentially creating additional pasture management requirements.

Several approaches could help address these concerns. Raising solar panels higher above the ground can provide more clearance for cattle and reduce equipment damage, although construction costs may increase.

One estimate from Energy Solutions Intelligence suggests elevated installations could add 20% to 40% to project costs. However, Silicon Ranch, which is testing solar grazing projects, has described this approach as potentially cost-prohibitive.

Another option involves vertical tracking systems that rotate panels into an upright position when cattle need access to particular sections of a solar array. This can provide additional clearance while allowing other panels to continue operating efficiently.

A pilot project in New York has also found that some cattle can adapt to conventional solar array designs, depending on their temperament, size, and previous handling experience.

Although sheep grazing remains the established approach in Pennsylvania, cattle could offer another opportunity for combining livestock production with renewable energy.

Successful implementation will require cooperation, practical adjustments, and flexibility from both farmers and solar developers.

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