NC State University and Nevadosa manufacturer of single-axis solar trackers, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday and launched a program and facility for the study and implementation of agrivoltaic solar energy.
Credit: NC Clean Energy Technology Center
The NC State Agrivoltaics Training Site is the first of its kind in the Southeast, where students and solar professionals can learn practices in agrivoltaics and the installation of solar technology that allows installation on steep terrain through Nevados’ proprietary tracker technology. Agrivoltaic energy is the co-location of solar panels and agricultural activities – including food and livestock production – on the same land.
“This new solar training site is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Chris Frey, associate dean for research and infrastructure in the College of Engineering. “It’s an amazing interdisciplinary collaboration between NC State’s Clean Energy Technology Center, the Department of Animal Science and Nevados, a manufacturer of solar energy tracking systems. And it positions NC State as a continued leader in energy and agriculture education for students and professionals throughout their careers.”
Yesterday’s launch included a preview of the university’s new agrivoltaics training course, Agrivoltaics in Action: Enhancing Operations and Maintenance in Livestock-Integrated Solar Sites. Launching in spring 2026, this course will equip solar professionals with essential skills for navigating grazed solar sites, including working with electric fencing, livestock monitoring and sheep vegetation management, while offering strategies to streamline operations and maintenance and promote collaboration between solar operators and grazing professionals.
“Sheep grazing on solar farms offers a wide range of benefits to the solar energy and sheep industries,” says Dr. Andrew Weaver, Assistant Professor of Animal Science. “These benefits include reduced mowing needs and more cost-effective vegetation management, farmland conservation, improved public perception and career opportunities for local sheep producers. The NC State Agrivoltaics Training Site will provide an invaluable opportunity to train our students and farmers in best solar pasture management practices. This training site is not just about solar energy; it is about pioneering the future of sheep production – a future that is more resilient, productive and profitable for North Carolina and the world.”
The training site, including three rows of Nevados’ TRACE All Terrain Tracker system and three types of solar panels, will be used for agrivoltaic education, specifically solar grazing, and solar technician training through the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, Nevados and the Department of Animal Science.
News release from the NC Clean Energy Technology Center
