In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews JR Howard, owner of Texas Solar Sheep, about the growing industry of solar grazing. JR shares his journey into solar grazing, which began three years ago when a friend recommended exploring this unique intersection of agriculture and renewable energy. From a small pilot project, JR's operation has rapidly expanded to manage over 5 gigawatts of solar farms with around 10,000 sheep.
The conversation delves into the benefits of solar grazing for both the solar industry and sheep farmers. JR explains how asset owners can save up to 20-25% on vegetation management costs by incorporating sheep grazing into their operations. He also discusses the importance of water access and appropriate seed mixes for successful solar grazing projects. The interview highlights the collaborative efforts between solar developers and grazers to optimize site designs for sheep.
JR offers insights into the challenges facing the solar grazing industry, including the current shortage of sheep in some regions of the US. He emphasizes the need for ranchers to approach solar grazing as a service business rather than just another grazing lease. The episode also touches on the expanding opportunities in solar farm management, including hay production and no-till seeding.
Listeners will learn about the major solar developers embracing grazing, such as Lightsource BP, Softbank SP Energy, and Adapture Renewables. JR also discusses the role of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) in providing resources and support for those interested in entering the field. The episode concludes with information about new certification programs for solar grazers and JR's optimistic outlook on the future of this growing industry.
Social Media Handles
https://texassolarsheep.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jr-howard-36b14871/
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0:00 Introduction and guest introduction
1:47 JR Howard's journey into solar grazing
3:08 The intersection of solar and ranching industries
4:47 Accommodations for sheep on solar sites
5:43 Cost savings and infrastructure investments
6:25 Importance of water access in solar grazing
6:57 Seed mix considerations for solar sites
8:11 The state of the sheep industry and supply challenges
9:57 Advice for ranchers considering solar grazing
10:41 Networking and diversification at Solar Farm Summit
11:36 Major solar developers embracing grazing
12:46 The role of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA)
13:51 Solar grazing certification programs
14:39 Future outlook and opportunities in solar grazing
15:50 Closing remarks
