Renovalia has been practising solar grazing, or agrovoltaic grazing, for years. Through agreements with shepherds in the areas where we operate, flocks of sheep graze in our photovoltaic parks… and we can say that the sheep and solar panels get along very well.
In addition to the reasons already known, there is now the result of a recent study carried out by Lightsource bp and EMM Consulting in New South Wales, Australia, on the influence of solar grazing on sheep’s wool. Over a three-year period, researchers analysed 1,700 merino sheep, divided into two groups: one grazing in a conventional environment and the other in a photovoltaic park. The results were conclusive: grazing in the solar park significantly improved wool quality.
The reasons for this improvement are that, alongside the panels, the flocks have a more varied diet, alternating between fresh fodder, dry grass and hay at different times of the year. This nutritional diversity contributes to their well-being and, therefore, to better quality wool.
Added to this result are the previously known benefits of solar grazing. On the one hand, the sheep remove excess vegetation, thus avoiding the use of herbicides, which pollute the soil and groundwater, and also the use of brush-cutting machinery. This reduces the risk of fires and damage to the panels from the use of machinery. In addition, the sheep improve soil quality by loosening the earth with their hooves and fertilising it with manure, combating invasive plant species and reinforcing the development of native flora.
On the other hand, in addition to food, the sheep find shelter from the sun, cold and rain under the solar panels, allowing them to graze for longer. It is also a perfect environment for ewes to give birth.
