Solar grazing

Solar grazing is the practice of grazing livestock (most commonly sheep) on solar installation sites. There has been tremendous growth in photovoltaic power generation (“solar farm”) development in North Carolina. In fact, the state is ranked third in the nation for installed solar capacity. The over 9,000 acres of solar installations represent an extraordinary opportunity for beginning farmers to enter into long-term leases with solar farm owners to integrate grazing animals.

What are the benefits of solar grazing?

Environmental Benefits

Maintain a better sod base
Use fewer chemicals and reduce costs Improve soil health
Retain water Produce food from previously underutilized land
Solar farms can support a greater diversity of plants and pollinators

Economic Benefits

Grazing has the potential to provide long-term cost savings for the solar company as farmers improve the forage, soil, water retention, and thereby reduce the need for site maintenance
The longer the grazing contract, the better the solar company will reap long-term benefits and lower management

Improved Public Perception

PR extends beyond the public and also plays a key role within the farming and agricultural community
With farmland increasingly being transferred to solar installations, grazing solar provides a visual example of collaboration within rural communities and is key to building positive relationships within the agriculture and solar communities

Improved Maintenance and Oversight

Having farmers on the site on a regular basis may allow for maintenance issues to be spotted sooner, before they become an issue

How do I approach the company?

Finding the right person to contact at each solar company is critical.
Network and identify solar companies in your area.
Becoming a member and/or networking with state or national partners, such as the American Solar Grazers Association, can help make key connections and lend credibility when contacting solar companies.
Apps such as the Solar Grazing Map App can be a great resource to connect Sheep, grazing sites, and professionals together https://map.solargrazing.org/.

What do I need to keep in mind once I have identified a site?

Forage production may run significantly less since most sites have been graded clean prior to panel installation. Forage production on solar sites may be considerably less than normal production.
Water may have to be hauled to the site as most locations do not have water.
Grazing may only be suitable during the growing season.
Prioritize time and energy for optimal grass growth due to increased requirements of lime and fertilizer at most sites.
Grounds maintenance could include roadside mowing and maintenance outside of fencing.
Periodic weed eating around fences and equipment or application of herbicide.
Most sites are roughly 20-40 acres, with some being more than 150 acres.
Most sites are considered industrial power substations. This could result in the need for OSHA-guidelines and training being required. Contact the company to know more.

What are the different types of grazing management contracts?

Sample Solar Lease/Contract Template: BFRD

Sample Solar Lease/Contract Template: ASGA

Where can I find resources for landowners exploring solar leasing?

You can find specific solar leasing resources for landowners at the NC Cooperative Extension site for Agricultural and Natural Resource Law (Farm Law) Publications and Factsheets. These may also be helpful resources for contracting and managing solar leasing arrangements: