Imagine a flock of 1,700 sheep peacefully grazing underneath rows of gleaming solar panels. This unusual sight is not just a curious spectacle—it’s the center of an innovative study that could reshape sustainable farming and clean energy practices. At the Wellington Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia, researchers from Lightsourcebp, EMM Consulting, and Elders Rural Services teamed up to investigate how agrovoltaics—the combination of agriculture and solar energy—can unlock unexpected advantages for both livestock and the environment.
By allowing sheep to graze beneath solar panels, scientists observed intriguing behaviors as well as health benefits, sparking excitement in the agricultural and renewable energy communities alike. This project, led by agricultural specialist and writer Sarah Mitchell, is already redefining how we think about shared land use.
Sheep thriving under solar shade: health and wool quality improve
The experiment divided two sheep herds: one on typical open pastures, the other comfortably sheltered under solar arrays. The differences were clear and profound. The solar panels provided crucial shade, protecting the sheep from harsh sunlight, wind, and extreme weather fluctuations. This shaded environment led to a marked improvement in the animals’ overall health, reducing heat stress and exposure to parasites.
What may surprise many is that the sheep’s wool quality also saw a significant boost. Conditions under the panels preserved soil moisture, which supported more nutritious grasses for grazing. The result? Thicker, stronger fleece with faster growth compared to sheep in full sun. Experts like Dr. Lisa Nguyen explained in a 2024 agricultural study that thermal comfort plays a vital role in livestock productivity, a finding echoed by this project’s results.
“We found that providing shade from solar panels reduced stress and parasite load, leading to healthier sheep and better wool yield,” said Dr. Julie Robertson, lead veterinarian on the study.
This innovative approach highlights that combining clean energy infrastructure with smart grazing mirrors symbiotic relationships commonly found in nature.
Global interest grows: Europe embraces pastoral agrovoltaics
Australia is not alone in pioneering these advances. Across the globe, similar agrovoltaic trials have been underway, particularly in Europe. In France, smaller farms have seen equivalent benefits—improved animal welfare and pasture quality under solar installations. Véronique Deiss from the French National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRAE) observed that thermal comfort dramatically enhances nourishment and growth in livestock.
According to INRAE reports, integrating sheep grazing with solar power production is rapidly gaining international momentum as a sustainable, dual-purpose land-use strategy.
The concept offers farmers a financially attractive solution: they generate renewable energy while simultaneously improving their livestock’s welfare and productivity. Experts believe this model can work across diverse climates, promoting agricultural resilience amid global environmental change.
Rethinking land use: living proof of nature and technology in balance
This agrovoltaic pilot is a powerful example of how the fusion of technology and traditional agriculture can produce win-win outcomes. Utilizing the same land for solar power and grazing allows farmers to maximize resources without compromising either productivity or animal health. It also contributes to carbon reduction efforts by expanding green energy infrastructure seamlessly.
As renewable energy expert Martin Lewis explained in a recent interview, “Agrovoltaics represent a transformative pathway for sustainable farming, especially as climate extremes put strains on conventional pastures.”
The success with the 1,700 sheep at Wellington Solar Farm invites farmers, policymakers, and researchers worldwide to consider novel, multifaceted solutions that engage both economic and ecological goals.
This video from Renewable Energy World features detailed insights from farmers and scientists on how sheep grazing under solar panels is paving the path toward a resilient future.
We’re eager to hear from you: Would you consider integrating solar panels with grazing livestock on your land? How do you see this practice influencing the future of farming and renewable energy? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below—we value your perspective and invite you to join this exciting conversation.