Texas, a state long celebrated for its leadership in energy production, is now pioneering a groundbreaking and sustainable approach to land use: agrivoltaics. This innovative practice seamlessly combines solar energy generation with agricultural activities, reshaping the renewable energy landscape in the Lone Star State. Agrivoltaics is rapidly gaining traction across the country as solar developers collaborate with local farmers to integrate their livestock into solar farms for vegetation management. This harmonious blend of agriculture and solar power not only preserves the land's agricultural heritage but also delivers significant economic and environmental benefits.
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The Rise of Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar energy production, is becoming a pivotal strategy in addressing the challenges of land scarcity and climate change. With solar panel installations on the rise, concerns about the impact on valuable farmland have driven innovation in combining these two industries. By integrating solar technology with farming practices like grazing, planting crops, or growing flowers for butterflies and bees, agrivoltaics allows land to serve multiple purposes, optimizing its use without compromising agricultural output. This approach not only generates clean energy but also provides additional income streams for farmers and promotes more sustainable farming operations by improving soil health and reducing water evaporation.
Grazing Sheep: A Natural Fit for Agrivoltaics
Just outside Austin in Milam County, Texas, SB Energy oversees one of the largest solar farms in the United States. Spanning 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares), this massive site generates an impressive 900 megawatts of power. But how does such an expansive facility manage its vegetation? The answer lies in an eco-friendly solution: a flock of 3,000 sheep. These agile grazers are perfectly equipped to maneuver through tight spaces and keep the grass in check, come rain or shine— no lawnmowers required.
Solar farms, often built on sunny, flat land ideal for grazing, are now being integrated into agricultural operations rather than competing with them. This innovative approach, known as agrivoltaics, combines solar energy production with agricultural practices, creating a harmonious dual use of land. Sheep grazing has emerged as a natural and effective companion to agrivoltaic systems, offering numerous benefits for both agriculture and energy production. By integrating sheep into these solar installations, farmers can manage vegetation growth efficiently while providing livestock with ample grazing opportunities. These unassuming animals have become the unlikely heroes of the booming solar industry, as massive solar farms continue to spread across the U.S., including the expansive plains of Texas.
Agrivoltaics has gained momentum in Texas as industrial-scale solar farms have rapidly expanded in recent years. The state now ranks second only to California in solar energy production. The concept is gaining traction, with over 60 solar grazing projects now in operation across the U.S., according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Additionally, the American Solar Grazing Association reports that 45 states have embraced this sustainable practice, further highlighting its potential to revolutionize land use in renewable energy.
Benefits of Solar Sheep Grazing
Using sheep to manage solar fields is proving to be a mutually beneficial solution— revitalizing the struggling sheep and wool industry while advancing clean energy efforts. In Texas, the sheep and lamb population fell to 655,000 as of January 2024, a 4% drop from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This innovative practice highlights how traditional farming can evolve to complement modern sustainability initiatives, fostering both increased productivity and environmental responsibility.
One of the most significant advantages of using sheep for grazing under solar panels is the elimination of the need for lawnmowers and other mechanical equipment. Solar farms often span vast areas where vegetation growth must be managed to prevent shading of the panels, which can lower energy efficiency. Traditionally, this maintenance required gas-powered mowers or manual labor, both of which can be costly and environmentally taxing. Sheep, however, provide a natural and efficient solution by grazing on the grass and weeds, maintaining optimal vegetation levels without the noise, emissions, or fuel costs associated with machinery. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of solar farm operations but also integrates sustainable agricultural practices into renewable energy production.
Leading the Way: Texas Solar Sheep
This collaboration is creating new opportunities for ranchers like JR Howard, who found himself at the forefront of Texas' clean energy boom. Howard’s solar grazing company, Texas Solar Sheep, began in 2020 and has since grown exponentially. Starting with a family flock of 300 ewes, Howard’s operation now manages over 5,000 ewes, expected to double by next year. His success is attributed to resourcefulness and support from organizations like the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) and the American Farmland Trust (AFT), which awarded him a grant to enhance his rotational grazing program.
In 2021, Howard and his family began partnering with solar farms— spanning acres of land covered with hundreds of thousands of solar panels— to let their sheep graze and manage grass growth. What started as a small venture has since evolved into a thriving business. Today, Howard’s company, Texas Solar Sheep, manages over 8,000 sheep and employs 26 people. Howard, one of the leading solar sheep operators in Texas, is busier than ever, with more clients than he can manage. To keep up with demand, he plans to nearly double his workforce by adding 20 new employees by the end of the year. As for the sheep, his flock is already sufficient to meet his needs.
“Just the growth has been kind of crazy for us,” said Howard. “It’s been great for me and my family.”
Howard’s story underscores the potential for agrivoltaics to create new opportunities for farmers. The dual use of land for energy and agriculture is not only improving soil quality and sequestering carbon but also reducing operational costs for solar developers. Howard’s approach of using local labor and vendors further boosts the rural economies of these solar farms.
The benefits of agrivoltaics extend beyond individual success stories. The future looks bright as states across the nation, like Texas, continue to expand their agrivoltaic practices. Blending solar power generation with agriculture helps utilize land efficiently and maintains its value. With strategic planning and support from initiatives like AFT’s Smart Solar principles, states can safeguard their valuable agricultural land while simultaneously advancing renewable energy goals. The Department of Energy’s Solar Futures Study estimates that over 10 million acres of land will be needed by 2050 to meet decarbonization targets, and agrivoltaics offers a viable path forward.
Explore Leasing Opportunities for Solar Panels and Agrivoltaics on Your Land
Agrivoltaics is revolutionizing the way we approach farming by seamlessly combining traditional agriculture with innovative renewable energy solutions. As this dual-use strategy gains momentum, Texas is emerging as a leader in sustainable land management, delivering significant benefits for both the environment and the economy. The success stories of pioneers like JR Howard underscore the transformative potential of agrivoltaics, paving the way for a future where Texas agriculture and renewable energy thrive hand in hand.
Solar leasing and agrivoltaics provide a reliable, secondary source of income, helping you unlock your land's full potential. Looking to turn your farmland into a sustainable and profitable asset? List your property for lease on LandGate for free and start receiving solar farm lease offers today. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your property’s value— explore the possibilities of agrivoltaics with LandGate and start earning more from your land today!
