![\"Sheeps](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sheeps-grazing-1024x683.webp\")
Agrivoltaics allows scientists to analyze photovoltaic farms from a much broader perspective than just energy generation, providing shade that reduces heat stress in animals. Credit: Image created with ChatGPT AI<\/p>\nAgrivoltaics allows scientists to analyze photovoltaic farms from a much broader perspective than just energy generation, providing shade that reduces heat stress in animals. Credit: Image created with ChatGPT AI<\/p>\n
Volkswagen has found an unusual way to maintain one of its largest solar parks<\/a> in Europe. Instead of sending lawnmowers beneath more than 31,000 photovoltaic panels<\/a>, the company relies on a flock of about 100 sheep to keep the grass under control at its Wrze\u015bnia plant in western Poland. The animals graze among the rows of solar panels<\/a>, helping maintain the site while allowing the land to remain in agricultural use.<\/p>\n The project goes beyond reducing maintenance costs. Volkswagen<\/a>, together with researchers from the Pozna\u0144 University of Life Sciences, is using the solar park to study how grazing animals affect vegetation, soil quality, biodiversity and the local microclimate. The initiative reflects a growing trend in Europe known as agrivoltaics, where renewable energy generation and agricultural activity share the same land instead of competing for it.<\/p>\n Why sheep have become part of solar farm maintenance<\/p>\n Operators of large solar parks must control vegetation throughout the growing season. If grass becomes too tall, it can block access for maintenance crews, shade electrical equipment and increase fire risk during periods of hot, dry weather. Most facilities rely on tractors or mechanical mowers, but those machines consume fuel, compact the soil and require repeated maintenance.<\/p>\n Volkswagen chose a different solution. Sheep graze close to the ground without damaging the steel structures that support the solar panels. Their compact stature allows them to maneuver easily beneath the arrays, trimming vegetation in tight spots unreachable by heavy machinery. Unlike heavier livestock, they place little pressure on the soil and can remain at the site for extended periods without interrupting electricity generation.<\/p>\n