Lambs thrive under solar panels despite less grass
An Oregon State University experiment revealed that lambs can thrive under solar panels, despite the lower grass production, due to the higher nutritional quality of the less abundant forage. Researchers compared two groups of Polypay lambs over two years, one grazing in an open pasture and the other beneath a working solar array.
The solar pasture yielded 38% less forage but the lambs gained nearly the same weight, averaging 120 grams per day versus 119 grams per day. This was attributed to the higher protein and digestibility of the shade-grown forage. The solar panels also provided lambs with shade, reducing their need for water consumption during hot periods.
While some areas beneath the panels were less productive, partially shaded spots sometimes thrived, especially during the hottest months. The findings suggest that solar energy and livestock farming can coexist, with agrivoltaics offering a solution to the land-use conflict.
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