First Lightsource bp U.S. agrivoltaics program launches in Pennsylvania

Livestock grazing at solar farms: a win-win-win

Agrivoltaics, the combination of agriculture and solar photovoltaics on solar sites, is a key part of Lightsource bp’s work as long-term stewards of our projects. This innovative approach allows developed land to generate clean power and farm products simultaneously. For example, small livestock grazing and beekeeping are common at Lightsource bp solar sites around the world.

Working in partnership with grazing and ecology experts, Lightsource bp has introduced sheep grazing at Nittany 1, one of three solar sites providing power to Penn State University. A neighboring Amish farmer grazes almost 500 sheep among the solar panels, using a rotational system to feed his flock and maintain the land.

Lightsource bp, a member of the American Solar Grazing Association, is actively working to introduce solar grazing programs at several more projects in our U.S. portfolio. As we further integrate solar energy into the rural landscape, we believe our unique approach to responsible solar will provide a win-win-win for our environment, industry and rural communities.

Solar grazing cultivates biodiversity, healthier soil

Through solar grazing, livestock become natural partners in Lightsource bp’s commitment to nurture thriving ecosystems at project sites.

Healthy ecosystems are built from the ground up. As livestock digest vegetation, they spread manure, cycling nutrients, carbon and water back into the soil. As the herd forages from place to place, it “mows” back vegetation, pruning grasses and other plants. Rotational grazing—moving the herd around the site over time in contained “paddocks” — provides a healthy amount of disturbance with ample recovery time.

Grazing also promotes biodiversity, a greater variety of plant and animal species on the land. As they forage, sheep naturally combat invasive plant species and strengthen native populations. As they chomp on vegetation, the sheep introduce helpful bacteria and attract beneficial insects as well.

Our Pennsylvania solar grazing site will contribute soil samples and other data to several research projects studying the environmental impacts of sheep grazing on solar developments.