Solar Grazing in Texas: How Sheep Are Powering a New Kind of Solar Revolution

As solar continues to spread across Texas and the U.S., landowners and developers are discovering an unexpected powerhouse in renewable energy: sheep. Yes, really.

In a rapidly growing practice known as solar grazing, sheep are being deployed to maintain vegetation around solar arrays—offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and agriculturally smart solution that’s redefining how solar farms operate.

At Soligent, we’re watching this agrivoltaic movement closely—and helping our partners harness its full potential.

One Site, Two Benefits: Energy + Agriculture

In Brazoria County, Texas, the Myrtle Solar Project stretches across 2,400 acres—once cattle pasture, now an energy hub. Instead of relying on gas-powered maintenance crews, the project brings in flocks of sheep to graze beneath the panels. The result? Fewer emissions, healthier landscapes, and a thriving local partnership with ranchers.

This dual-use strategy—combining clean energy production with agricultural utility—is not only practical, it’s scalable. As land costs rise and sustainability expectations grow, agrivoltaics provides a blueprint for high-performance solar projects that do more with less.

Why Sheep?

Solar grazing isn’t just a feel-good gimmick. It works.

• Efficient Vegetation Control Sheep keep grasses from shading solar panels, helping optimize energy output—no diesel mower required.

• Healthier Landscapes Sheep improve soil through natural fertilization and compaction reduction.

• Happy Livestock Solar panels offer shade, reducing heat stress and water demand in hot climates like Texas.

• Zero Emissions, Zero Noise Unlike machinery, sheep graze quietly and cleanly—benefiting nearby communities and wildlife.

  
  

Cost Savings + Rural Benefits

For solar farm operators, it’s a simple equation:

• Lower O&M costs

• Fewer herbicide applications

• No machinery damage to cables or racking

• Support for local farmers and rural economies

  
  

Companies like Texas Solar Sheep are proving the model works, running grazing operations across thousands of solar acres and creating new income streams for landowners and shepherds alike.

Forward-Thinking Solar Development

Agrivoltaics also future-proofs solar. By keeping farmland in active use, developers can more easily secure permits, satisfy land-use requirements, and engage community stakeholders. It’s a sustainability story with real-world ROI.

And for clients in agricultural regions—especially in the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas—solar grazing could be a key differentiator for land acquisition and long-term project value.

Soligent: Your Partner in Smarter Solar Projects

At Soligent, we’re committed to helping our partners succeed in today’s evolving solar landscape. Whether you’re building a 500 kW ground-mount or a 50 MW utility-scale site, we offer more than just materials—we offer strategy.

Thinking about commercial-scale solar grazing?

Let’s talk:

• Racking and design tailored for agrivoltaic access

• Partnerships with solar grazing groups and local farmers

• Comprehensive product kits and logistics support

• Statewide delivery and on-site consultation options

  
  

Connect with us to discuss your next commercial solar project. We’re here to help you explore new possibilities—and power your growth from the ground up.