Cornell research highlights environmental and economic gains from sheep grazing at solar sites.
Two new studies from Cornell University are providing fresh insights into the growing practice of solar grazing, where sheep are used to control vegetation around solar panels.
Researchers found that carefully managed sheep grazing can deliver environmental benefits while also creating new economic opportunities for farmers. The studies focused on how grazing affects insect populations and how producers can better manage flocks in solar grazing systems.
In one study, researchers examined different sheep stocking rates at a community solar farm in New York. Over a three-year period, scientists compared grazed areas with mowed areas to understand how grazing influences beneficial insects.
The results showed that grazing at a low rate of two sheep per hectare increased populations of beneficial insects by 38% compared to mowing. Researchers observed significant increases in wild bees, honey bees, and lady beetles. Honey bee numbers alone increased by 83%.
“Sheep grazing and beneficial insect habitat are two prominent conversation topics around solar development right now,” said Leana Zoller, the paper’s first author and a postdoctoral associate in natural resources in the Cornell CALS Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment.
She added, “But what’s been missing is research that treats them as parts of the same system. When we talk about sustainable solar development, integrating these discussions into a single framework is really helpful to farmers and community decision makers.”
Beneficial insects play an important role in agricultural systems. Bees support pollination of crops and flowering plants, while lady beetles help control harmful insects. Researchers believe these findings show that solar sites can contribute to biodiversity when managed properly.
The study also evaluated higher stocking rates. At four sheep per hectare, insect populations were like mowed areas, although vegetation control improved. At eight sheep per hectare, vegetation management was strongest, and sheep health remained high, but honey bee populations declined by 45%.
The findings highlight the need to balance vegetation management with ecological benefits. Researchers noted that grazing decisions involve trade-offs, and that stocking rates can significantly influence outcomes.
The project brought together experts in natural resources, entomology, plant science, ecology, and animal science. Their goal was to better understand how energy production, livestock farming, plants, and insects interact within agrivoltaic systems.
A second Cornell study focused on the business side of solar grazing. Researchers developed a decision-support tool designed to help sheep farmers manage and expand their operations.
The spreadsheet-based tool helps producers make decisions about buying and selling sheep while considering factors such as flock size, costs, revenue expectations, and vegetation growth at solar sites. The model also helps solar developers better understand farmers' needs and structure more sustainable agreements.
“We zeroed in on stocking rates because that’s a concrete number that sheep farmers understand and work with every day, and we want this research to be useful,” said Steve Grodsky, paper senior author and assistant professor of natural resources in the Ashley School.
He added, “With solar grazing, people, energy, agricultural animals, plants and insects are all part of this ecosystem. We’re trying to understand the connections between those pieces so that when solar developers, municipalities looking at solar development, or farmers are faced with a decision, they can have scientific information about potential trade-offs and synergies.”
Researchers say the tool can improve profitability for both producers and solar companies by supporting better long-term planning.
The studies also emphasize the broader opportunity for the U.S. sheep industry. Demand for lamb and wool continues to exceed domestic production, creating room for industry growth. Solar grazing contracts can provide a reliable source of income while giving sheep access to grazing land.
Industry participants report that many farms are already expanding because of opportunities created by solar projects. Unlike traditional grazing arrangements where farmers may pay for pasture access, solar grazing often provides compensation for vegetation management services.
This additional income can help farmers purchase equipment, improve farm infrastructure, hire employees, and grow their flocks. As more solar projects are developed, producers may have access to new business opportunities that support long-term farm success.
The Cornell studies demonstrate that solar grazing can offer multiple benefits when managed carefully. Low-density grazing may support pollinators and other beneficial insects, while management tools can help producers make informed business decisions.
As renewable energy development continues across rural areas, solar grazing is emerging as an innovative practice that connects clean energy production with livestock agriculture. Researchers believe it can help create environmental, economic, and agricultural benefits for farming communities.
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