Gannawarra Solar Farm [Victoria, Australia] has recently welcomed its newest (and only) woolly live-in tenants! A month-long trial using sheep grazing (to help manage vegetation) begun at the start of November 2020, and will continue into the foreseeable future if successful.

Early reports have been positive, with 300 sheep moving onto site from one of our local grazier partners. This number may increase if the vegetation/feed capacity of the site supports it.  At WIRSOL, we pride ourselves on the environmentally friendly approach we take during construction and during the operations of our solar farms – implementing this long term would be another step in the right direction when it comes to the maintenance of the grounds at the project.

Dual use of solar farms in ways such as this makes extremely efficient use of the land. Local farmers benefit from the ability to rotate livestock across grazing areas, which is of great value to Australia’s critical and world leading agriculture industry. And while the sheep munch away, Australian homes and businesses are being supplied with the cheapest and cleanest energy on the planet from the solar panels above them!

Gannawarra Solar Farm at 50MW(AC) provides the power equivalent to 18,100 Australian homes each year. Saving 136,880 TCO2e from entering the atmosphere, which contributes to the international effort to make a conscious change and halt the devastating effects of climate change.

If you’re interested in knowing more about this woolly venture or have an opportunity you’d like to discuss, please get in contact with our Sydney team – we’d love to hear from you!