These days, a new type of agrovoltaic project is being tested in Australia, a concept that integrates photovoltaic panels and agricultural activities.
On 2,000 hectares of pasture near Uralla in the Australian state of New South Wales, a flock of more than 6,000 merino and crossbreed sheep graze under the approximately 1 million solar panels installed as part of the first 400 MW phase of the New England solar farm of the Acen Australia company, writes pv magazine.
The first sheep were introduced to the field in December 2023 and their numbers have since gradually increased to facilitate the transition to the new feeding area.
Every six weeks, the sheep are brought back to the barns for health checks or vaccinations, after which they are returned to pasture.
The first results of the experiment are promising. According to Richard Munsie, one of the farmers who raise sheep on the solar farm’s land, solar panels create their own microclimate, which is ideal for animals.
“They shade the pastures in the early morning, which prolongs the effects created by the dew. This helps the grass grow. The panels also provide the sheep with shade and protection from frost. We may even be able to raise more sheep because of the climate created by the panels, but we’ll see,” says Munsie.
Another farmer, Cameron Wood, says the solar panels have helped protect his business against drought.
“Fresh grass and shade are a great combination. We are looking forward to getting the sheep into the barns this winter for shearing and packing the wool for market,” he says.
According to Acen representatives, the agrovoltaic project will continue to be evaluated over several seasons. Previous similar experiments have shown that one effect is to improve wool quality.
Work on the second phase of the New England solar farm is set to begin later this year. With a capacity of 720MW, it will be the largest solar farm in New South Wales.
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