On some of our solar farms, we leverage the ever-present appetite of herd animals to help keep grass and other vegetation under control.

In Dillon, Montana, we have granted grazing access to a local sheep rancher who introduced a small flock of sheep within the fences of the Apex Solar Farm for seasonal or potentially long-term grazing. The rancher also brings along llamas, which serve as security forces during the vulnerable lambing season. They’re also less picky eaters and are happy to munch on the tougher shrubs.

“Including sheep and llamas to graze excessive vegetation isa great example of agrivoltaics on utility-scale solar facilities,” said Erin Kivlehan, Clēnera VP of Asset Management. “This mutually beneficial field in the world of solar operations is very promising. It is a chance to get even more value out of the land that is needed for our solar operations. This low impact form of vegetation management mitigates increased wildfire risks and reduces operational expenses, all while benefitting local farmers and ranchers with protected grazing spaces and fresh feed for their livestock. The sheep also leave behind nutrients that feed and improve the soil health of the property, ensuring both forms of land users benefit from one another for years to come.

Located at the base of the East Pioneer Mountains, the land around Apex Solar has been used to run cattle and sheep for generations. Before the solar farm was operational, it was used for marginal grazing. Now, with the installation of the solar panels, the secure fencing and freshly planted vegetation, there are safe places for the sheep to rest and graze beneath the shade of the solar panels.

What makes Apex a perfect place for these agrivoltaic activities is the solar farm’s design which uses two-modules-in-portrait, or2P, arrays. This design requires more ground clearance. We have noted minimal damage to the electrical equipment compared to other grazed solar facilities and fewer outages being taken for repairs thanks to electrical wires connecting the panels being higher off the ground and harder to reach by curious nibblers.

In the first spring of its operations, we were excited to watch the ewes nurture their newborn lambs – all under the watchful gaze of their llama protectors. Check out some photos of the action below.