Texas, long renowned for its energy production prowess, is now leading the nation in an innovative and eco-friendly approach to land use: agrivoltaics. This dual-use practice combines solar power generation with agricultural activities, and it’s transforming the landscape of renewable energy in the Lone Star State.
In Texas, the concept of agrivoltaics is gaining momentum as solar developers partner with local farmers to use their flocks for vegetation management on solar farms. This synergy of agriculture and solar power is not only maintaining the agricultural heritage of the land but also providing substantial economic and environmental benefits.
Grazing Sheep: A Natural Fit for Agrivoltaics in Texas
Take Haskell County, for example, where Landon Terry, a former cowboy-turned-farmer, manages a flock of 277 sheep on a sprawling 1,800-acre solar farm. These sheep, a mix of Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix breeds, graze on native grasses, keeping vegetation low and preventing it from shading the solar panels. This method is more economical than traditional diesel mowing and helps in reaching spots around poles and wires without causing damage.
The integration of sheep grazing also creates jobs and preserves the agricultural essence of the land. Terry, who grew up on a cattle ranch, now finds himself at the forefront of this sustainable practice. As he puts it, “We’re not losing anything; we’re just doing it differently.”
Solar Energy Meets Grazing Practices in Texas
Another shining example is JR Howard from Lamar County. 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.
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.
Advantages of Agrivoltaics for Community and Economy
Farmers like Amanda Stoffels have also embraced agrivoltaics, transforming their outlook on modern farming. Initially devastated by the arrival of solar panels on their Ellis County farm, Stoffels and her husband turned to sheep grazing, allowing them to stay connected to agriculture while benefiting from the solar lease. This dual practice has enabled them to focus on their children and community, blending the old with the new.
The benefits of agrivoltaics extend beyond individual success stories. As Jordan Macknick of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory points out, blending solar power generation with agriculture helps utilize land efficiently and maintains its value. Texas, with its vast expanses of flat, sunny land, is perfectly positioned to lead this agrivoltaic revolution.
The future looks bright as Texas continues to expand its agrivoltaic practices. With strategic planning and support from initiatives like AFT’s Smart Solar principles, the state can safeguard its agricultural land while 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.
Interested in Leasing Property For Solar?
Agrivoltaics is proving to be a game-changer in Texas, merging the age-old practice of farming with cutting-edge renewable energy solutions. As more farmers and solar developers embrace this dual-use approach, Texas is setting a precedent for sustainable land management that benefits both the environment and the economy. The success of individuals like Landon Terry, Amanda Stoffels, and JR Howard highlights the transformative potential of agrivoltaics, ensuring that the future of Texas agriculture and renewable energy is indeed bright.
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