Cattle farm installs solar power station

Can on-farm solar power help cattle graze?

This investment in on-site solar energy has inspired studies of the benefits of on-farm solar beyond power generation, including providing cattle with a cool resting place as they graze, and research evaluating the cost-effectiveness of such systems.

Is Bear Valley Solar a cattle-friendly project?

Bear Valley Solar will deploy 240 kW of the 1.5 MW cattle-sited solar field pasture this year, with construction in its first phase ramping up this summer, McFeeters-Krone said. The project is cattle-friendly using the Rute Foundations SunTracker mounting hardware.

Can photovoltaic panels be installed over cattle pens?

Colorado Department of Agriculture has committed $180K in funding to install photovoltaic panels over cattle pens at CSU’s Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center. These panels will complement existing panels over sheep grazing areas already at the center.

Can a ground-mounted solar panel be installed on a farm?

Depending on the lease terms, ground-mounted solar may or may not be allowed on the site. If it is allowed and current farming operations are suitable for a ground-mounted solar PV array or if unused land exists, ground-mounted solar PV may be an option. How can I reduce soil compaction when installing ground-mounted solar panels?

Can co-locating solar technology improve horticultural and grazing practices under solar farms?

Many institutions, including the National Renewable Energy Labs and WCROC, are currently experimenting with horticultural and grazing practices under solar farms to quantify the benefits of co-locating solar technology in farm fields.

Can on-farm solar help farmers make informed decisions?

Applied research into the benefits and feasibility of on-farm solar from University of Minnesota WCROC, as well as technical assistance and resources from the Clean Energy Resource Teams, can help farmers make informed decisions on solar investments.