Can a ground-mounted solar system provide shade for dairy cows?

The cows are split almost evenly between a conventional and a certified organic grazing herd. There is no research that has investigated the use of a ground-mounted solar system to provide shade for dairy cows and to determine the effects on dairy cows.

Can a ground-mounted PV system help a dairy cow?

Using a ground-mounted PV system in a dairy setting could provide shade to dairy cows during extreme heat events and provide farmers with an alternative means of income.

How do agrivoltaic farms work?

In an agrivoltaic farm, solar panels are installed on poles or frames that are fixed into the ground, as they are in most solar farms. Farmers then plant crops under or around the solar panels. Often, the solar panels are installed a few metres off the ground, or as part of a canopy, with rotating poles or frames.

Can a solar farm eat grass?

That means no crops are grown under or around the solar panels, as is the case in an agrivoltaic farm. There are, however, some solar farms where the land is also used for ‘solar grazing’. This is where livestock, typically sheep, are free to roam around the solar panels to eat grass.

Does solar grazing count as agrivoltaic farming?

There are, however, some solar farms where the land is also used for ‘solar grazing’. This is where livestock, typically sheep, are free to roam around the solar panels to eat grass. This doesn’t technically count as agrivoltaic farming, but it’s still an efficient use of space.

Are solar panels good for agrivoltaic crops?

Raspberries grown under solar panels in the Netherlands. Image courtesy of GroenLeven. Many agrivoltaic trials have reported promising results. For example, a project in southern France found that grapes grown under solar panels needed less irrigation and were of higher quality.