Sheep grazing under New York solar panels boosts beneficial insect numbers
A three-year Cornell University study found that specific sheep densities can increase honey bee populations under solar panels.
Researchers from Cornell University found that allowing sheep to graze under solar panels in New York can increase beneficial insect populations, according to a Times of India report. The three-year study was conducted at the Cascadilla Community Solar Farm in Dryden, New York.
The study, published in Environmental Research Letters on October 7, 2026, showed that a density of two sheep per hectare resulted in 38 per cent more beneficial insects compared to plots managed by mowing. Honey bee abundance rose by 83 per cent at this specific density.
The research noted that higher stocking rates changed the ecological outcomes. At four sheep per hectare, insect numbers were similar to mowed plots, while at eight sheep per hectare, honey bee abundance fell by 45 per cent despite more effective vegetation control.
This practice, known as agrivoltaics, combines solar energy production with agriculture. The findings suggest that the appropriate number of sheep depends on whether a farmer prioritises vegetation management or supporting insect populations.
A separate Cornell study published on September 28, 2026, introduced a decision-support tool to help sheep farmers manage flock sizes and costs for solar grazing. This model has been included in the onboarding process for United Agrivoltaics.