A new documentary from the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) highlights a growing movement transforming both agriculture and renewable energy. ‘Pastures and Panels’ tells the story of farmers and ranchers who are revitalizing family farms by grazing sheep on solar sites, creating a resilient model that produces food, fiber and energy for the nation – all on the same land. The movie is now streaming on YouTube.
A still from the documentary “Pastures and Panels”
Sun grazing is the practice of raising livestock on land that also generates solar energy. It turns solar energy projects into productive farms that naturally sustain vegetation while helping feed and clothe Americans through the production of meat and wool.
According to ASGA’s 2024 solar meadow count, more than 130,000 solar acres are grazed by sheep in 30 states. The potential is even greater. The United States currently imports more than 70% of the lamb it consumes. By expanding solar grazing, farmers can strengthen domestic agriculture and bring more of that production home.
The film follows families like Daniel Dotterer’s in Pennsylvania, whose farm dates back to the 18th century. After decades of economic struggle, Dotterer found a new way forward by using sheep to manage vegetation on large solar farms.
“It’s not just grazing,” Dotterer says in the film. “It is a new way of farming, a way that is sustainable and profitable and gives the next generation a chance.”
Solar grazing offers ranchers access to land that was previously unavailable or too expensive to rent. Now, solar project owners pay ranchers to manage vegetation, providing a stable income while maintaining agricultural production. This partnership helps family farms remain viable and, in many cases, expand.
Energy companies also benefit from solar fields. Field data from operating sites show that grazing is cost-competitive with mowing and can reduce maintenance costs over time. Sheep are very effective at controlling vegetation while supporting healthy soils, pollinator habitat and local land use goals. It is a practical solution that benefits both the country and the bottom line.
Solar grazing also attracts younger farmers and more women to farming. ASGA’s 2024 Census found that more than a third of sungrazers are women, and the average age of participants is younger than the national average for farmers. By combining agriculture with solar energy, farmers keep multi-generational farms alive and build stronger local economies for the next generation.
The documentary “Pastures and Panels” is now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9CY0IpkLNFY
