Home / Environment / Sheep Power: Solar Farms Get an Insect Boost
Sheep Power: Solar Farms Get an Insect Boost
2 Nov
Summary
- Sheep grazing at solar farms may increase beneficial insects.
- Two sheep per hectare showed 38% more beneficial insects.
- A tool helps sheep farmers manage solar grazing businesses.
Solar farms can offer more than just clean energy, according to a three-year study by Cornell University researchers. Allowing sheep to graze beneath solar panels, at the right density, can also benefit insects like bees and lady beetles. The findings, published on October 7, 2026, suggest that using sheep for vegetation management delivers ecological advantages alongside renewable power generation.
At the Cascadilla Community Solar Farm in Dryden, New York, researchers found that a density of two sheep per hectare resulted in 38% more beneficial insects than in mowed plots. Honey bee abundance notably increased by 83%. However, higher sheep densities did not necessarily yield better results, indicating a need for balanced management. Four sheep per hectare improved vegetation control but did not significantly boost insect numbers, while eight sheep per hectare, though effective for vegetation, reduced honey bee abundance by 45%.
Complementing the ecological research, a separate Cornell study introduced a decision-support tool for sheep farmers. Published on September 28, 2026, this tool helps farmers manage flock sizes, costs, and expected vegetation, aiding in structuring solar grazing contracts. This approach offers sheep farmers a new income stream, access to land, and feed, fostering business expansion without requiring additional grazing property.
