Preston Councillors Approve Solar Farm with Sheep Grazing Under Panels

A green energy project in Preston has been approved to install solar panels on farmland while allowing sheep to graze beneath them, generating enough electricity to power approximately 5,900 homes. The solar panels will be mounted on metal frames no taller than 3.25 meters, with special shade-tolerant grass seeded beneath to sustain grazing, and the site will be largely screened from public view. This approach aligns with agrivoltaics practices seen globally, such as the Myrtle solar farm in Texas, where sheep graze under panels to manage vegetation sustainably, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact. Studies like one conducted at the Wellington solar farm in Australia have shown that sheep grazing under solar arrays experience improved welfare and produce higher-quality wool due to the protective shade and better pasture conditions. The Preston solar farm is expected to operate for 40 years before decommissioning, reflecting a growing trend to integrate renewable energy with agricultural uses to optimize land use and environmental benefits. These developments highlight the synergy between renewable energy generation and sustainable livestock management.