Is it possible for cows and solar energy to coexist? ‘Cattle Tracker’ technology brings huge potential

A breakthrough in the field of combining clean energy and agriculture—agrivoltaics—is imminent. Solar power developers are now exploring the benefits of using cattle grazing for maintaining solar farms, building on their previous success with sheep and goats. This development could radically change the renewable energy landscape around the world.

Sheep Grazing Success and Cow Challenges

Solar Grazing is an established practice in the solar industry. Sheep are small in size and do not cause any damage to solar panels. The panels provide shade for them and the animals eat grass, reducing maintenance costs. However, the biggest challenge in getting America’s vast cattle industry involved in the process is the cows.

• The real problem: Cattle are very large animals (weighing around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds). They tend to rub or bump against each other, which is a risk to solar panels and equipment.

Breakthrough Innovation: ‘CattleTracker’

Silicon Ranch, a leading solar energy developer, is introducing a new technology called ‘CattleTracker’ to tackle this challenge. This system will ensure the coexistence of cows and solar panels.

• How it works: ‘CattleTracker’ basically controls the performance of the tracker system used to rotate the solar panels. When cows approach the solar farm, the system tilts the panels from vertical to almost horizontal. This protects the panels from being bumped or scratched by the cows.
• Uses: The company plans to pilot the technology at its Christiana solar farm in Tennessee.

Dual use of agriculture and energy

• If effective, this technology could greatly expand solar energy, enhance food production, and help mitigate climate change.
• The potential is massive: A significant portion of the U.S. is used for cattle grazing, so the commercial success of this technology could greatly expand solar energy.
• Resolving the land use crisis Innovations like ‘CattleTracker’ can address the land use crisis by allowing for both electricity generation from solar farms and food production on the same land, reversing the trend of decreasing agricultural space.
• Carbon stabilization: This method enhances the land’s capacity to retain carbon and helps preserve biodiversity.

The ‘CattleTracker’ and other Agrivoltaics initiatives show that addressing climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture can work together effectively. These innovations set a new benchmark in finding economically viable solutions without relying on government-provided subsidies.