By Jamie Martin
After years of pairing sheep with solar farms, solar developers are ready to scale up. Silicon Ranch, a Tennessee-based energy company, is pioneering cattle-solar integration through its new CattleTracker technology—an innovation designed to make large-scale solar ranching viable.
CattleTracker allows solar panels to adjust their tilt when cattle graze nearby, reducing the risk of livestock damage. The panels return to normal operation when herds move to other paddocks. This simple yet effective system enables safe coexistence between livestock and solar equipment.
The initiative begins at the company’s Christiana Solar Farm, setting a precedent for large-scale agrivoltaic operations. Combining solar power generation and cattle grazing maximizes land productivity and reduces tension between renewable energy and agriculture.
According to Silicon Ranch CTO Nick de Vries, the system also promotes soil health and carbon storage while sustaining local food production. The company believes sustainable solar grazing can advance renewable energy even amid reduced government incentives.
Researchers note that cattle integration is more complex than with sheep due to size and behavior, but Silicon Ranch’s innovation proves the challenges can be managed. As the U.S. beef industry spans millions of acres, cattle-solar collaboration could open vast potential for sustainable energy growth in rural communities.
This next step in agrivoltaics marks a milestone for renewable farming, bringing clean energy and cattle together under one sun.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: National