Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Utilities Department is taking a natural approach to maintaining its solar farm this summer by partnering with local shepherd Garrett Didier.

Didier’s flock of sheep is already grazing beneath the field’s solar panels to help manage vegetation throughout the site. The partnership provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mowing by allowing sheep to naturally control grass and weeds around the solar array. The animals are well-suited for the work, as they can safely graze beneath the panels without damaging the equipment while reducing the need for mechanical mowing.

"Finding innovative ways to operate our facilities more efficiently while being good stewards of our resources is always a priority," said Grand Island Utilities Production Engineer Jayson Rezek. "Using sheep to maintain the vegetation at our solar farm is a practical solution that benefits both the utility and a local agricultural producer."

The practice, often referred to as "solar grazing," has become increasingly popular at solar installations across the country. By grazing beneath and around solar panels, sheep help maintain appropriate vegetation heights, reduce fuel consumption and emissions associated with mowing equipment and support sustainable land management.

For Didier, the partnership also creates additional grazing opportunities for his flock while showcasing another way agriculture and renewable energy can work together. The sheep will periodically graze the site throughout the growing season as needed to maintain vegetation beneath the solar panels. The Grand Island Utilities solar farm is one component of the utility's ongoing efforts to provide reliable electric service while incorporating innovative and sustainable operational practices for the community.