As Groundwork continues to advocate for agrivoltaics—the concurrent use of land for farming and solar energy production—we are remaining current on the latest trends. Here, we take a look at the emerging practice of grazing cattle among solar panels—what’s being called “cattle-voltaics.”
Solar cows? Okay, we just made that up. However, cattle-voltaics—or the pairing of cattle and solar—is a legitimate and fascinating concept emerging in the agricultural sector. With a few structural adjustments—such as elevated and more widely spaced solar panels—cattle can effectively graze beneath solar panels, bringing environmental and economic benefits to farmers and their communities. When designed thoughtfully, the combination of grazing grasses and cattle movement across the pasture can enhance soil quality, restore land, and keep vegetation managed without mowing or herbicides, and adding revenue from solar generation helps keep family farms in business. (The first half of 2025 saw as many farms go bankrupt in the U.S. as in all of 2024.)
So what’s in it for the cows?
Researcher Kirsten Sharpe, at the University of Minnesota, found that shade from solar panels can lower a dairy cow’s body temperature by about 1 degree Fahrenheit. That small difference can offer big rewards—reducing heat stress, which in turn supports higher fertility rates and greater milk production throughout the year. Similarly, the University of Minnesota reports that “by incorporating solar infrastructure into a working dairy farm, the project offers multiple benefits: improved comfort for cows during heat events, potential increases in milk production, and an additional income stream for farmers.”
For farmers interested in exploring the idea, collaboration with solar developers early in the planning process is key. In particular, site layout, solar panel height, and row spacing can be customized to benefit both cattle and land health. Additionally, the size and type of cattle also matter—cow-calf pairs, yearlings, or feeder cattle tend to be the best fit for solar grazing systems. Interestingly enough, there are even rumors of a new breed of cattle being developed to fit comfortably beneath solar panels, so stay tuned for more updates on this possibly real “solar cow”!
As the innovative pairing of cattle and solar gains traction across the United States, Michigan farmers are well-positioned to expand the practice. Michigan has roughly 12,000 cattle farms, and the state’s demand for renewable energy is growing. Cattle-voltaics offers a profitable and practical path forward for Michigan’s farm families and agricultural communities.
What is your next step towards advancing clean energy and agrivoltaic practices in Northern Michigan? Community support will continue to play a key role in bringing more clean energy projects to life. Keep an eye out for solar siting or zoning proposals in your area, and be prepared to voice your support. Attending a local meeting or submitting a thoughtful public comment based on facts can counter misinformation campaigns and can help pave the way for sustainable, dual land-use solutions across Michigan. 
Sources:
https://organicag.umn.edu/innovative-agrivoltaics-project-blends-solar-energy-and-cattle-grazing
https://www.mibeef.org/raising-beef/michigan-cattle
Lyla Hollis, Groundwork Clean Energy Specialist
lyla.hollis@groundworkcenter.org
