May 8, 2026
Energy development company Avangrid has welcomed thousands of sheep to graze the fields at four solar projects in Washington and Oregon.
The company has released about 5,000 sheep at Daybreak Solar, Bakeoven Solar and Pachwáywit Fields Solar in Oregon, and Lund Hill Solar in Washington, officials say. Not only does the practice of “sun grazing” keep animals fed, but it also allows sites to passively manage vegetation levels and reduce the risk of fires in summer.
“This is a partnership and management strategy indicative of Avangrid’s long-term commitment to these communities,” said Jose Antonio Miranda, CEO of Avangrid. “We not only effectively manage our facilities in a way that encompasses the region’s historic ties to livestock farming, but also cultivate strong local partnerships to jointly maintain our solar projects.”
The company has been working with Cameron Krebs, owner of Krebs Solar Grazing, on the Pacific Northwestern projects since 2024. Krebs, a fifth-generation rancher from Oregon, comes from a family with a history of lamb and wool production throughout the region.
“As new industries enter our communities, it’s nice to see a partner like Avangrid engaging those of us who were born and raised here and looking at sustainable ways to care for this landscape together,” says Krebs. “Our main goal is to reduce vegetation in the facility, maintain its high functionality and create resilience throughout the summer.”
Grazing the land
Avangrid began its solar field efforts in 2023, according to Lora Chante, the company’s VP of Operations and Maintenance. What started then as a pilot project, she said, has grown into a “full-fledged vegetation management operation” just three years later.
As part of the partnership agreement between Avangrid and Krebs, the two work together to create a grazing plan each winter. The plan comes into effect for each spring growing season, with sheep able to effectively maneuver through any solar site and even move under solar panels to consume grass and weeds around the project.
Thanks to the success of the sungrass pilot program in Oregon and Washington, Avangrid is now considering allowing sungrass in other locations in the region. Additionally, according to representatives, the company has considered bringing the practice to other locations around the country.
“We build our projects with the intention of operating them for thirty years or more, which means it’s important that we continue to be a great neighbor and exceptional community partner,” says Chante. “Using sheep grazing at our solar projects helps us achieve these goals by keeping our facilities clean and safe.”
Tags: agrivoltaic energy, AVANGRID Inc., O&M, project, solar meadow
