Australia Compared 1,700 Sheep and Discovered Something Unexpected: Those That Graze on Solar Farms Produce Higher-Quality Wool

Grazing sheep on solar farms is becoming an increasingly common practice. What’s more surprising is its potential impact on the quality of wool.

Sheep on solar farms. A recent study has explored the benefits of allowing sheep to graze on solar farms, specifically on a facility in New South Wales in Australia. The research work by Lightsource bp and EMM Consulting aimed to investigate whether the wool quality in this setting was superior.

The Wellington project. Researchers used the 174 MW Wellington solar farm as the basis for the study. The Australian solar farm spans 790 acres of pastoral farmland about 30 miles southeast of Dubbo, the largest city in the New South Wales region of Orana.

How was the study conducted? The research work involved a three-year study of 1,700 Merino sheep divided into two groups. One group grazed in traditional paddocks, while the other grazed in a solar park. To analyze the quality of the wool, researchers considered factors such as wool growth, weight, and micron diameter, which indicate fiber quality. The study concluded that grazing sheep on solar farms improves the quality of their wool.

The secret of quality. Being surrounded by solar panels allowed the sheep to alternate between fresh forage, dry grass, and standing hay several times a year. The diversity in the diet helps keep the animals well-fed, which is reflected in the quality of their wool. Additionally, the presence of sheep reduces the maintenance costs of the solar farm, given that they effectively act as natural mowers.

Not just wool. The Australian study isn’t the only one demonstrating product improvement on solar farms. In Italy, a winery has managed to enhance the quality of its vines thanks to solar panels. The shade cast by the panels helps improve the balance between alcohol content and acidity during fermentation.

In recent years, agrovoltaics have gained momentum and benefited agricultural products. The coexistence of agriculture and solar energy is gradually becoming a reality.

Image | Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett | Zbynek Burival

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