Oregon Ranch Installs Solar Panels, Preserves Grazing Land

An Angus ranch in southern Oregon has taken a pioneering step by successfully integrating solar energy into its operations. This innovative project features RUTE SunTracker’s first commercial solar installation, designed specifically for grazing environments.

Overview of the Solar Installation

The installation spans one acre and includes a 120-kilowatt solar array. It employs RUTE’s patented cable-stayed solar tracker system that offers significant clearance. The design allows for approximately 10 feet of headroom, with solar panels reaching up to 16 feet high.

Benefits for Grazing Cattle

This unique setup enables cattle to graze freely underneath the solar panels. Ranchers can maintain their land management practices without disruption. This approach addresses land-use challenges faced by the growing solar industry.

Significance of Agrivoltaics

As solar capacity increases, agrivoltaics provides a solution to optimize land use. In the United States, around 30 gigawatts of new solar capacity were installed last year, covering approximately 150,000 acres. Meanwhile, there are about 120 million acres of cattle pasture available.

• Agrivoltaics can enhance forage growth by providing partial shade.
• Ranchers can establish a secondary revenue stream through solar energy.

Research and Development Support

The project has garnered support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s American-Made Solar Prize and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, Oregon State University’s Agrivoltaics Program launched studies to track pasture production. This research aims to quantify the benefits observed by ranchers.

Future Plans for Expansion

RUTE plans to extend its initiative by engaging with more ranchers. This winter, the company will participate in cattlemen’s association meetings to identify potential partners with onsite electric demands, such as irrigation systems.

“Our immediate focus is on regional installations that can demonstrate real-world benefits for ranchers and power producers,” stated Doug Krause, RUTE president. The goal is to create renewable energy projects that are efficient and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

This innovative approach at the Oregon ranch not only preserves grazing land but also promotes sustainable energy solutions, setting a precedent for future agricultural and energy collaborations.