Solar sheep are grazing big bucks

Imagine if you could generate a six-figure income and make a positive impact on the environment by doing nothing more than munching all day. 

No luck yet on that front for humans, but that is the reality for “solar sheep.”

Since you’re probably wondering WTF those are, let us explain. 

A symbiotic business model 

They’re regular sheep that are leased to solar farms to graze the land. Here’s why, per Forbes:

• Solar farms are typically situated on flat, grassy pastures that need to be maintained to avoid overgrown vegetation — a common problem, due to the shaded underside of panels — from blocking the panels and impacting their efficiency.   
• For solar farm owners, sheep offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers, which are pricier and risk damaging solar panels when the occasional rock is spit out, as well as herbicides, which can cause environmental harm. 
• As for the sheep, solar farms provide shade from the sun and abundant grass to eat, while the fencing around them offers the woolly creatures some protection from predators.

In short, it’s a win for everyone: for solar farm owners, sheep, the environment — and, of course, shepherds.

Now, about that money…

Instead of leasing pastures for their sheep to graze, solar shepherds are paid to have their sheep fed, resulting in extra cash from the service and in the form of fatter sheep to sell.

• According to Glassdoor, the average American sheepherder makes ~$61k a year.
• Solar shepherds can make 2x-3x as much, meaning some are pulling in profits comparable to doctors and lawyers.

That incentive has helped fuel the rapid rise of solar grazing, which one solar shepherd told AP News has been “probably the biggest opportunity” for the US sheep industry “in several generations.” 

There are already 250+ sites of varying sizes around the US, with more cropping up, and none of it would be possible without the booming business of solar energy — the cheapest form of electricity in history, according to the International Energy Agency.

So, as the solar industry continues to grow, you can expect the same of shepherds’ flocks and their profits. 

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