In 2016, a North Carolina solar company began using 80 sheep alongside mechanical and chemical methods; the operation later grew to 590 sheep across 300 acres

North Carolina has employed sheep for vegetation management in solar farms to reduce mechanical maintenance. This strategy began as an experiment in 2016 and has expanded significantly since then. A study showed higher organic matter and soil health in grazed areas, though longer-term data is needed. Grazing costs can be competitive with mechanical methods over extended periods. The solar energy sector is growing, necessitating sustainable management solutions like sheep grazing.