Booming solar industry has a growing appetite for weed-chomping crews

The growing number of large-scale solar fields has created an increased need for animals to help control the weeds and other vegetation. Research is underway to explore what other types of animals could be used on solar sites.Some clean energy companies are turning to flocks of sheep and pigs to keep overgrown weeds from putting solar panels in the shade. Under a blistering sun, Janna Grier hops out of her pickup truck to start moving hoses to fill up water troughs for her flock of sheep.

On this day, Grier moves the pigs to a new area to graze. "Come on ladies," she calls, as they plod along behind her. The proliferation of solar fields in rural areas has created some conflict as the renewable energy projects can change the landscape that was traditionally agricultural. The use of agrivoltaics though, can help mend fences.

"Many of our landowners would like to see some continuation of agricultural activities on their land," said Annesley. "They want to know how the soil is going to be protected and potentially enhanced over the life of the project." "We actually didn't have to look very far to find people with dirt under their fingernails," she said. "We're really interested in creating another revenue stream ."

Agrivoltaic research is conducted at a field station located approximately 14 kilometres north of the main Western University campus in London, Ont.

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