Solar Grazing Sites

Mon Power has introduced a solar grazing program that integrates sustainable agriculture with renewable-energy operations, deploying sheep to manage vegetation surrounding approximately 50,000 solar panels near the Fort Martin Power Station.

This nature-based approach reduces reliance on fuel-powered mowing equipment, lowers emissions, and minimizes soil disturbance, making it an environmentally responsible method of site maintenance. It also supports local West Virginia farmers by creating an additional agricultural revenue stream.

Solar grazing offers several ecological advantages. By keeping vegetation at optimal heights, sheep prevent shading that can reduce solar-panel efficiency, thereby helping maintain consistent clean-energy output. Their grazing naturally suppresses weeds and invasive species without the use of herbicides, contributing to healthier ecosystems. Sheep can also access areas beneath panels where machinery cannot safely operate, ensuring more complete and low-impact vegetation control. The panels, in turn, provide the animals with shade and shelter, creating a mutually beneficial land-use model that enhances renewable-energy sustainability.

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