"PV or Photovoltaic panels and sheep"

real_aurgathor

An australian study found that sheep that can graze under PV panels had better quality wool compared to sheep without the shade of said PV panels. In addition, the sheep could also mostly eliminate the need of mowing the land while fertilizing it with an all natural fertilizer.

Inder said tests show that fleece from his panel-grazing sheep is about 20% superior to the normal product, measured by wool growth, weight and microns – the fiber diameter considered the most important of the fiber’s traits.

Sheep grazing among solar module rows is also delivering benefits for the project owner, with Lightsource bp now only needing to mow the solar farm twice a year.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/11/06/study-shows-sheep-grazing-under-solar-panels-produces-higher-quality-wool/

Several factors could explain the improved wool quality in the solar-grazing group. First, the shade from the panels offers sheep protection from extreme heat, reducing thermal stress—a known factor that can negatively affect wool production. Second, shaded areas help retain moisture in the soil, improving grass quality and reducing dust exposure, both of which are beneficial for wool cleanliness and condition.

Interestingly, the setup might also reduce the presence of parasites, creating a healthier environment for the flock. The idea that a solar farm could double as a natural sanctuary for sheep is turning heads in both the energy and agricultural industries.

https://glassalmanac.com/1700-sheep-walked-through-solar-panels-scientists-publish-surprising-results/

John_deSouza

Your industry publication citations are noted.

The sheep would get the same benefit from anything providing the same shade.

real_aurgathor

John_deSouza The sheep would get the same benefit from anything providing the same shade.

That is 100% correct; however, other types of common structures providing shade for the sheep would not be making additional money, and they highly unlikely to have the coverage of PV panels.

Somewhat-Reticent

Also UV protection.

real_aurgathor

Somewhat-Reticent

Good point, though with the exception of sheep shearing. sheep should not have much skin exposed to sunlight,

egeezer

real_aurgathor
Around here, sheep are sheared in the spring, typically before lambing.

Heat84

PV is a brand of solar panels?

real_aurgathor

egeezer

Yeah, a good “coat” that could be a must have during cold weather is not needed, or even be a nuisance during warm weather.

real_aurgathor

Heat84 PV is a brand of solar panels?

PV = PhotoVoltaic

Somewhat-Reticent

real_aurgathor Relevant to blindness.

Bombtrad

real_aurgathor Precisely. Right now, Canberra our capital, drizzly rain, outside +4C but feels like -3C. Across our winter sheep fleece will bulk up to get them through our hard winter.

egeezer Around here, sheep are sheared in the spring, typically before lambing.

Also. Good farming practice.
Our current sheep flock is around 70 million. (some give about 85 millions) and produces around 25% of the worlds greasy wool supply. And it is the biggest source of sheep/lamb meat in the international market..

A side note on goat meat. The US is Australia’s single largest export market, taking 14,477 tonnes swt in 2023 and increasing annually

real_aurgathor

Somewhat-Reticent Relevant to blindness.

Do you have any evidence that sheep can get blinded just by the Sun’s rays?

I did find “bovine keratoconjunctivitis” but that’s mostly for cattle.

Bombtrad

real_aurgathor Do you have any evidence that sheep can get blinded just by the Sun’s rays?

Not yet but looking. All my research so far gives eye problems in sheep and lambs caused by external irritants or by disuse like diseases such as “Pink Eye”. I can find nothing definite yet for sun caused eye problems.

Photosensitivity in sheep is caused by eating the wrong feeds and can cause “sunburn” in sheep. Treated by shedding out of the sun and diet, AND getting bad weeds out of paddocks.

real_aurgathor

Bombtrad

Based on my cursory search, blindness in grazing farm animals is *usually* due to various infections.

Somewhat-Reticent

real_aurgathor Look up Tierra del Fuego. Sheep, salmon, frogs, etc.

egeezer

Bombtrad
You already know this, but some may not; shearing before lambing makes it easier for lambs to nurse.

telcodad

real_aurgathor

I don’t know about PV panels and sheep, but here’s a PV panel on a cow: 🙂

egeezer

telcodad
So you plug in appliances on the bottom?

telcodad but here’s a PV panel on a cow:

Looks like it supports up to four appliances.