As the demand for renewable energy accelerates, so does the need for innovative land use strategies that balance clean energy production with environmental and community priorities. One such strategy gaining ground across the U.S. is solar grazing, a practice that hep solar has implemented a several of our solar sites solar with plans to expand further.
What Is Solar Grazing?
Solar grazing is the use of sheep to control plant growth around and beneath ground-mounted solar panels. It is a natural, low-impact alternative to mechanical mowing or herbicide application—and it delivers operational, environmental, and economic benefits.
Sheep are ideal for this role: they’re small and agile enough to move around solar arrays without damaging equipment, unlike larger livestock such as goats or cattle. They are also excellent foragers, capable managing vegetation in difficult-to-reach areas while benefiting from the shade provided by the panels.
According to the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), solar grazing is one of the most effective and sustainable methods for maintaining vegetation on solar farms. As of October 2024, more than 129,000 acres across more than 500 solar sites across the U.S. are managed using sheep—especially in fast-growing regions like the Southeast.
A study from Cornell University found that solar grazing can reduce vegetation management costs by up to 40% compared to mechanical mowing. In addition, grazed solar sites often experience better soil health, biodiversity, and water retention—all critical factors for long-term project viability.
Why Solar Grazing Matters
Implementing solar grazing offers meaningful benefits that support both clean energy and rural economies:
- Preserves Agricultural Land: Dual-use solar farming allows land to stay in agricultural production while generating renewable energy.
- Supports Local Farmers: Solar grazing creates reliable, diversified income for farmers—without displacing food production.
- Reduces Carbon Emissions: Grazing reduces the need for gas-powered mowing equipment, lowering operational emissions and supporting a cleaner project lifecycle.
- Enhances Ecosystem Health: Grazing improves soil aeration, supports native plant growth, and encourages pollinator habitats, all of which promote long-term ecological resilience.
- Improves Solar Performance: Keeping vegetation under control ensures that panels stay unobstructed, which helps maximize solar energy production.
Overcoming Challenges: Planning for Solar Grazing Success
Despite its many advantages, solar grazing can face barriers, including local zoning ordinances that limit livestock use on certain types of land. However, the hep solar team is prepared to navigate these challenges as we continue to expand solar grazing across our portfolio. With the end goal in mind, we’re proactively designing new solar sites with livestock-ready infrastructure, including fencing and access points. This ensures that future grazing opportunities can be implemented seamlessly—without costly retrofits.
Partner Highlight: Alex Greer of 37 Roots Farm
A standout example of solar grazing success is Alex Greer, owner of 37 Roots Farm in Davidson County, North Carolina.
Alex is a fourth-generation farmer who began managing his family’s land and flock in 2017. His introduction to solar grazing came in 2018 through an NC Cooperative Extension survey—he checked a box indicating interest, and a year later, he had his first solar grazing contract with our company. Today, he grazes Katahdin sheep at two of our North Carolina solar farms: RCCC in Salisbury and Perendale in Mocksville.
Alex’s approach is built on practical experience and ongoing refinement. He adjusts herd sizes and grazing schedules to meet each site’s specific needs—delivering results for both his farm and our operations. Recently, Alex was awarded a $7,500 NC AgVentures Farm Grant to purchase a portable livestock-handling system. This equipment will allow him to manage sheep health remotely, supporting operations at solar farms located far from his home base.
“Solar grazing wasn’t something I set out to do—it started with a simple survey checkbox. But it’s grown into a vital part of my farm’s future. Partnering with a responsive and reliable team like hep solar has made all the difference in turning that opportunity into a long-term path forward.” — Alex Greer, 37 Roots Farm
With long-term goals to expand his operation and consult other farmers on best practices, Alex is leading the way in combining clean energy and sustainable agriculture. Learn more about 37 Roots Farm on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
The Future of Solar Grazing
As solar development scales, integrating agriculture into energy infrastructure will become increasingly vital. Solar grazing is a proven, cost-effective model that supports renewable energy production, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens rural economies.
Sources: American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Futures Study, NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, hep solar
Photo credits: Alex Greer