Solar farm, living laboratory

ASGA and NYSERDA: What are the agro-economic and environmental impacts of co-location of solar and agriculture?

We know that co-locating sheep on solar farms is a win-win-win for grazers, developers and the planet, but how do we measure the impacts? Our long-time partners at the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) are conducting a two-year study at more than 30 operational solar grazing sites across the Northeastern US, including at Lightsource bp’s Nittany 1 project. The study, sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is examining both the environmental and economic impacts of sheep grazing on solar farms, a prevalent form of agrivoltaics.  

As sheep graze, they trample manure, urine, seeds and plant matter into the earth. The plant matter decomposes, and together with the animal waste, it fertilizes and rejuvenates the soil. To measure these impacts, the researchers will look at soil carbon, nutrients, moisture, and compaction before and after the 2021 and 2022 grazing seasons. 

Researchers will additionally assess on-site vegetation, gathering information on seed mix applications, collecting samples and using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring to rate performance.  As healthy pasture is essential for successful sheep grazing, our Nittany 1 project has been planted with a special seed mix called “Fuzz and Buzz,” carefully designed to support both livestock nutrition and nectar resources for pollinators in Pennsylvania. This study will be the first to use the USDA guide and scorecard on solar planting mixes.  

Understanding the business side of solar grazing is just as critical as studying environmental impacts.  Lightsource bp’s grazing partners can count on regular payments for their services through grazing contracts This gives farmers a reliable source of new income, on top of what they earn via the meat, dairy and wool they produce.  

Researchers will perform economic analyses to examine the viability of these enterprises for farmers and solar companies alike. This will include surveying both groups to learn more about cost, labor, risk and income, compared to traditional vegetation management methods.  

Discover Multiuse Solar 

Our Nittany Solar projects are an example of our commitment to co-locating responsibly sited solar projects with other land uses in the United States—an approach dubbed “dual-use solar.”  Lightsource bp often goes a step further, building multiuse solar projects where clean energy generation shares land with multiple initiatives including agriculture, conservation, and research. Click below for further information.