Agrivoltaic systems combining solar panels with livestock grazing offer welfare opportunities through shade and habitat enrichment.
Sheep and cattle in conventional pastures without tree cover suffer heat stress during summer that reduces grazing time and welfare. Solar installations provide shade that reduces heat burden and improves welfare during hot periods. Sheep readily use the spaces under panels for shelter and grazing. Agrivoltaic design that maximizes animal welfare benefits including shade provision, perching areas for birds, and water catchment represents a genuine cobenefits opportunity.