Adapture Renewables owns 39 solar facilities around the United States, including a 330-acre solar farm in Gainesville.
And while a dreary day with little sunlight might be the biggest concern for a solar power, there's another issue Adapture Renewables has to overcome: plants.
Elora Arana, project development manager for Adapture Renewables told WFAA, "So if the grass grows higher than the solar panels, then it creates what's called shading and that affects the amount of energy we're able to produce."
Not only can tall grass create shade, covering the solar panels, but mowing it can be a great expense. So Adapture has figured out another method to cut their grass and save some coin.
More than 450 sheep roam across the 330 acres, eating all the grass, and maintaining the farm's landscape, along the way. JR Howard, rancher and owner of Texas Solar Sheep, says, "Just endless growth, so those sheep can eat as much as they want."
The sheep's have proven to be a very cost-effective, and cleaner way to maintain the farm. "We have not had to bring out or do any traditional mowing on this site since they have been introduced," Arana said.
"I think the sheep love it out here," she continued. "Free food at all times, whenever you want. I think it's real nice for them."
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