As solar energy expands across agricultural land, dual-use solar is emerging as a practice to optimize land use. A dual-use solar approach known as cattle voltaics integrates cattle grazing with solar panels and could provide benefits for farmers and energy developers.
A fact sheet recently released by the Center for Rural Affairs explores the economic and environmental advantages of cattle voltaics and provides insights into best practices for implementation.
The shade provided by solar panels is one advantage of cattle voltaics. Reducing heat stress in cattle leads to improved efficiency, such as increased weight gain for beef cattle and reduced milk production loss in dairy cows, according to Mallory Tope, policy associate with the Center.
“Most farmers already use shade structures to protect livestock in the summer—solar panels provide that same benefit while also generating energy,” she said. “This creates a win-win scenario for landowners and renewable energy developers.”
Beyond the benefit to cattle, the fact sheet states grazing under solar panels enhances soil health, improves soil stability, and provides economic benefits.
“Dual use has many economic benefits, like increased tax revenues, lease payments to local landowners, and the ability to continue agricultural use on the land,” said Tope. “Careful planning, site-specific strategies, and clear communication between energy developers and landowners are important to maximize these benefits.”
Cattle voltaics provides an opportunity to lower costs for farmers and ranchers by reducing maintenance costs and preventing soil degradation.
To read and download a copy of “Cattle Voltaics: Maximizing Land Use with Solar Cattle Grazing,” visit cfra.org/publications.