Agrivoltaics as Agribusiness

It’s a challenging time to be a rancher in America. U.S. Department of Agriculture research shows the number of farms in the U.S. continues to steadily decline. Furthermore, a recent survey of 70 agricultural economists indicated that more than 75% believe the farm economy is either in, or on the brink of, a recession. After decades of decline, however, one sector of the agricultural industry is making what looks to be a comeback, thanks in part to an unlikely partnership: the American sheep industry’s alliance with the solar energy industry. Between 2007 and 2017, the number of sheep operations increased by 18,000 nationwide. This growth was driven largely by more accurate counting of smaller-scale sheep ranches, which are increasing in number—meaning that small, often family-run operations are at the heart of the sector’s rebound. And according to the American Solar Grazing Association, the acreage of solar panel sites grazed by sheep increased from 15,000 to 129,000 between 2021 and 2024. Many communities are having land use discussions centered around solar power development. Join Jim Malooley, Director of Agrivoltaics Operations for Silicon Ranch’s wholly owned agribusiness, Regenerative Energy®, and learn how these discussions are leading to opportunities for both new and existing ranchers to create or expand their agribusinesses through partnerships with solar developers and how communities across the United States are benefiting from these partnerships.

Questions? Contact Jim Malooley at jim.malooley@siliconranch.com.