Bright blue skys with solar panels collecting the razes as sheep Solar Graze on the grass keep it clean

Solar Grazing and Lambscaping: A Win-Win for Solar Farms and Sheep

December 30, 20243 min read

If you’ve been driving around Seminole, Orange, or Volusia counties in Florida, you may have noticed an increasing number of ground-mounted solar systems popping up on five-acre lots. Solar energy is undeniably awesome, but maintaining the land around these systems? Not so much. Between unwieldy mowers, herbicides, and the occasional maintenance disaster, keeping these installations tidy can be a pain—and an expensive one at that. That’s where solar grazing, or lambscaping, swoops in like a caped (and fluffy) hero.

Risk of Traditional Land Maintenance Around Solar Panels

Let’s talk about the risks of sticking with traditional land maintenance. First, there’s the dreaded equipment damage. Picture this: A well-meaning landscaper is maneuvering a mower around your solar panels, and—oops!—there goes a wire or a panel. That little “oops” could set you back anywhere from $200 to $500 per panel. If wiring is involved, brace yourself for even higher repair costs. And then there’s soil degradation. Repeated use of herbicides and heavy equipment compacts the soil and kills its vibe—literally. And we can’t forget about the potential fire hazards. Grass clippings and heat-producing equipment don’t mix well with electrical components. Who needs that stress?

What are the Alternitive For Land Maintance Around Solar Panels

So, what’s the alternative? Enter Black Hammock Farms’ Rent-A-Herd service. That’s right—sheep to the rescue! These little four-legged landscapers specialize in turning overgrown vegetation into a well-maintained paradise for your solar panels. They’re small enough to graze under and around solar arrays without knocking anything over, unlike, say, a goat that might chew on your wiring just for fun.

You might be wondering how many sheep it takes to keep things tidy. On average, 4 to 6 sheep per acre will get the job done, but the team at Black Hammock Farms can help you figure out the perfect number for your property. Once they’re on-site, they’ll get to work trimming the grass, fertilizing the soil (yes, poop is part of the package), and keeping your panels free from shade-causing vegetation—all without a single drop of herbicide or the hum of a mower.

Why is Solar Grazing with Katathdin Sheep Good

Now, here’s where it gets good. Solar grazing isn’t just better for your panels—it’s better for the planet. By ditching gas-powered equipment, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, those sheep are doing wonders for your land. Their natural grazing encourages biodiversity, improves soil health, and keeps erosion in check. And unlike traditional methods, which often harm the land over time, sheep leave your property in better shape than they found it. Seriously, they’re like the Mary Poppins of land management—practically perfect in every way.

But can Katadhin sheep really graze around solar panels without causing chaos? Absolutely. They’re not climbers or chewers, so your wiring and panels are safe. They’ll happily snack on the grass and weeds while ignoring the expensive tech, making them the ultimate solar-friendly landscapers.

And no, sheep won’t ruin your land. Quite the opposite, actually. Their manure acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil, while their selective grazing helps maintain a healthy mix of plant species. It’s like getting free lawn care and a soil upgrade all in one.

With ground-mounted solar systems becoming more common, keeping your investment safe and your land healthy is essential. Traditional maintenance methods might get the job done, but they come with risks and costs that can add up fast. Solar grazing and lambscaping, on the other hand, offer a solution that’s cost-effective, eco-friendly, and downright adorable. So why not give Black Hammock Farms’ Rent-A-Herd service a call? Your land—and your wallet—will thank you.

KHudakoz is a on-line author who write about the outdoor life in florida

Khudakoz

KHudakoz is a on-line author who write about the outdoor life in florida

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