A flock of about 150 sheep are happily keeping the grass down at Rānui Solar Farm and enjoying the benefits of shade and shelter from the solar panels.
Agrivoltaics, or, when applied to sheep, more evocatively known as solar grazing, provides a micro-climate under the solar arrays, with cooler temperatures during warm days and warmer temperatures at night.
Soils also retain more moisture, which means certain crops grow better, even with more shading. Pastoral production has seen the greatest benefits globally because animals are better protected from the elements, need less water and can access pasture in dry conditions.
You can learn more about the benefits of solar grazing on this RNZ Country Life programme.
Caption: Rānui’s flock have made themselves at home at the solar farm.