Can photovoltaic panels be used as shade resources for livestock?

Sheep unconditionally preferred shade from solar panels over 80%-blockage cloth. Photovoltaic panels are a novel alternative to shade animals. Based on our search, we believe that this is the first paper to evaluate the use of photovoltaic panels as shade resources for livestock.

Can photovoltaic panels protect livestock?

Photovoltaic panelscan provide artificial shades to protect livestock against intense solar radiation while serving as a clean energy source, reducing CO emission, and providing an additional source of income to farmers. These benefits foster sustainable livestock farming practices.

Do photovoltaic panels block solar radiation?

Shade under photovoltaic panels was compared to shade under cloth that has 80% blockage of solar radiation based on time spent under the shade by sheep and ewes. The animals spent more than 70% of their time under the shade from photovoltaic panels when solar radiation was wqual or greater than 800W m −2.

Are solar panels good for livestock?

High levels of solar radiance in tropical countries heat-stresses livestock. Lambs graze for longer times than ewes. Sheep unconditionally preferred shade from solar panels over 80%-blockage cloth.Photovoltaic panels are a novel alternative to shade animals.

Can photovoltaic panels provide shade for sheep managed in Paddock?

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of co-generation systems using photovoltaic panels to generate electrical energy and to provide shade for sheep managed in paddock. This is the first study to present scientific data on photovoltaic panels as shading resources for livestock.

Can a solar farm graze livestock?

The developer, landowner and/or agricultural tenant/licensee may choose to graze livestock at higher stocking densities throughout the year over much of the solar farm, especially where the previous land use suggested higher yields or pasture quality.