Selection of cows for keeping on solar farms

The practice of agrivoltaics involves the shared use of land occupied by solar panels for agricultural purposes. Previously, farmers successfully used sheep to maintain such sites, however, the presence of cows at energy facilities caused difficulties due to concerns from company employees regarding the safety and temperament of the animals. To address this problem, farmers Jess and Marcus Gray, operating under the brand Gray's LAMBscaping, applied breeding methods.

As a result of crossing the Dexter, Belted Galloway, Pineywoods, and American Devon breeds, a composite type of livestock was obtained, suitable for work in solar farm conditions. The new animals weigh about 1000 pounds and possess a number of key characteristics: a calm temperament, lack of horns, as well as increased resistance to disease and high temperatures. According to Jess Gray, such animals feel more comfortable in solar areas, where panels provide protection from overheating, which contributes to their faster and more cost-effective growth compared to keeping them on traditional pastures.

The introduction of such animals makes it possible to expand the possibilities of agrivoltaics and increase the efficiency of interaction between energy companies and farmers. The next stage in the development of the project will be the practice of mixed grazing of cows and sheep in the same area, which is expected to help improve pasture utilization and ensure control over parasites and predators. The development of such approaches is intended to optimize the use of land occupied by solar panels, turning them into sites with multi-purpose functionality.