Encouraging signs in tackling climate change – Part 3

Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox continues his series on some encouraging signs of progress in the last 12 months in the fight against climate change.

Solar panels: One unexpected benefit has been where nature and green technology have combined,” said Ron. “Sheep farmers in Britain are finding an unexpected lifeline through solar grazing, where flocks feed on grass growing under energy panels.

He explained that solar installations need the vegetation under their panels to be controlled.

Traditionally, operators spend up to £48,000 per year on mowing and herbicide treatments and that depends on the weather conditions.

“Amazingly, sheep save costs,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park.

“Unlike heavy machinery, the animals can access the tight spaces and keep eating the grass and vegetation all year round, regardless of weather conditions.

“And for farmers, the deal is even better. Many solar operators offer grazing rights at no cost, opening doors for producers who would otherwise be priced out of the industry.”

Grazing sheep also enrich the soil and encourage a wider variety of plants to grow, so eliminating the need for chemical treatments. Another advantage for farmers is that solar sites offer added security through on-site cameras, and the panels themselves block out harsh sun and winter storms for the animals below.

One farmer, Hannah Thorogood, told the Guardian newspaper that when she started her Lincolnshire farm from scratch, 18 acres and 20 sheep were as much as she could afford. But thanks to solar technology, she can graze the land for free, and the farm has grown to 250 acres with more than 200 sheep.

UK sheep population had sunk to record low numbers in recent years as producers faced rising input costs, volatile markets and shrinking profit margins.

“Now free access to grazing access gives struggling farmers the room to expand without shouldering land expenses, and they can potentially increase their sheep income from £20,000 to £60,000,” concluded Ron.

Another benefit from solar panels is that householders can get cheaper energy and lower bills because sunlight is free.

He said solar power frees residents from the worry of rising household bills and no more nasty surprises when the utility companies unexpectedly put up their prices.

Also, this environmentally friendly green choice provides homes with electricity, central heating and hot water.

And even better, solar PV panels come with attractive green energy incentives backed by the Government.

This article raises some important questions, said Ron. Could solar grazing work on farms in your area? Do you know any farms near you where this is already happening? Finally, would stories like this cause you to support more solar developments if they also helped local agriculture? Send your views to Ron Fox at [email protected].

For more advice on green energy and solar power, contact Ron Fox, of Noreus Ltd at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park, on 0845 474 6641 or go to contact us here

➡️More encouraging signs in tackling climate change next week.