Solar 101 Series - Sheep Grazing: Fostering Relationships for Sustainable Benefits
Fostering Relationships for Sustainable Benefits
In line with our goals to protect the environment and to foster relationships that lead to sustainable benefits and cost-effective services, Onyx has partnered with a local sheep farmer to graze the solar facilities it manages in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York. Grazing offers an eco-friendly and agro-economic beneficial alternative to traditional vegetation control at solar facilities.
Not only does grazing effectively replace traditional gas-powered mowers and weed trimmers, but it also may promote soil health, limit invasive species, and provide an opportunity for increased and diversified income to farmers in the agricultural communities that host solar facilities. Onyx is proud to be on the forefront of sustainable operations of solar generation in this way.
How does Onyx stay on the forefront of sustainable practices for ongoing operations and maintenance?
One of our methods is Sheep Grazing!
Introduction:
In line with our goals to protect the environment and to foster relationships that lead to sustainable benefits and cost-effective services, Onyx has partnered with a local sheep farmer to graze the solar facilities it manages in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York. Grazing offers an eco-friendly and agro-economic beneficial alternative to traditional vegetation control at solar facilities.
Not only does grazing effectively replace traditional gas-powered mowers and weed trimmers, but it also may promote soil health, limit invasive species, and provide an opportunity for increased and diversified income to farmers in the agricultural communities that host solar facilities. Onyx is proud to be on the forefront of sustainable operations of solar generation in this way.
Ground-mounted solar panel arrays are a common type of solar installation that requires regular vegetation management to ensure the solar panels receive maximum sunlight. Traditional vegetation management methods, such as mowing and using herbicides, can be expensive and harmful to the environment. This alternative method of allowing sheep to graze under ground-mounted solar arrays has been gaining traction in the industry, with Onyx leading the way with execution.
What are the benefits of sheep grazing for vegetation control?
The approach has several benefits, including cost savings, environmental benefits, improved soil health, and aesthetic appeal. In this article, we will explore each of these benefits in detail.
1. Cost Savings:
One of the primary benefits of letting sheep graze under solar panel arrays is the cost savings it provides. Traditional methods of vegetation management can be expensive, requiring equipment, labor, and ongoing maintenance costs. By contrast, using sheep for grazing is a cost-effective way to keep the area under the solar panels well-maintained. Grazing by sheep eliminates the need for expensive equipment and labor costs, and furthermore, sheep can help to prevent the growth of weeds and other unwanted vegetation, which can reduce the need for frequent vegetation management.
2. Environmental Benefits:
Grazing sheep under solar panels has several environmental benefits. Traditional vegetation management methods such as mowing and herbicides can have harmful impacts on the environment. For example, the use of herbicides can result in groundwater contamination, while the use of mowers can contribute to air pollution. Learn more about how Onyx can help you reduce from Scope Emissions here!
Grazing by sheep is a natural and sustainable method of vegetation management that eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and equipment. Additionally, sheep grazing can help promote soil health, reduce erosion, and contribute to the overall health of the surrounding ecosystem.
3. Improved Soil Health:
Another benefit of grazing sheep under solar panels is the improvement of soil health. Sheep manure is an excellent source of nutrients that can help promote healthy soil. Additionally, the sheep's hooves can break up compacted soil, allowing air and water to reach plant roots, which can improve plant growth. This can lead to an overall healthier ecosystem in the area.
4. Maintenance-Free:
Grazing sheep under solar panels is a maintenance-free option for vegetation management. Solar panel arrays often require frequent vegetation management to ensure they are not blocked by overgrown plants. By allowing sheep to graze under the solar panels, the vegetation is kept under control, and the panels remain unobstructed, which can help maximize solar energy production, especially as technology moves toward bi-facial modules, which can capture sunlight energy on both sides of the solar panel. This method can save time and money and eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance and equipment costs.
5. Aesthetically Pleasing:
Grazing sheep under solar panels can provide an aesthetically pleasing view. The sight of sheep grazing under solar panels can create a natural and peaceful atmosphere that is visually appealing to customers, employees, and visitors. This can enhance the overall appeal of the solar installation and improve the property's overall value.
Conclusion:
Letting sheep graze under ground-mounted solar panel arrays is a natural and sustainable approach to vegetation management that provides several benefits.
As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, integrating sustainable practices such as sheep grazing can help promote a cleaner and healthier future. By using sheep for vegetation management, businesses and property owners can save money while helping to protect the environment and promote soil health.
Onyx is proud to be on the forefront of sustainable operations of solar generation in this way.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can implement sustainable sheep grazing for vegetation control under your ground mount arrays today!