Strange Solar Benefits on the Farm

Rick Worthington

Oregon State University scientists have found a resource that can increase ag production on dry, non-irrigated farmland; solar panels.

In a recently published study, OSU's College of Ag reported that grasses favored by sheep and cattle thrive in the shade of a solar array. OSU's Chad Higgins says the biggest benefit is the panels remove the amount of light that makes it to the grasses.

Higgins noted the panels are not beneficial in wet climates. He says some technical issues still need to be overcome if growers want to use this model on more profitable commodities, such as row crops. Higgins says one of the biggest challenges is the layout of the solar arrays, which currently prohibits the use of implements and large equipment.

Higgins noted the panels are not beneficial in wet climates.