Spotlight on Solar: Local Sheep Graze at MGE’s Tyto Solar

MGE continues to grow our use of solar and other sources of renewable energy as we work toward net-zero carbon electricity. At our newest solar array, the 6-megawatt Tyto Solar project in Fitchburg, about 70 local sheep graze during the growing season to maintain the grass and brush sustainably.

The practice of agrivoltaics

“Solar grazing” by the sheep is an example of agrivoltaics or dual-use solar. The land is used for solar generation and agricultural production, such as crop or livestock production or the creation of pollinator habitat. 

“Solar grazing”  incorporates sheep farming at solar sites to keep the grass from shading the solar panels. This avoids drops in panel efficiency due to vegetation shading the panels and avoids the use of fossil fuel for mowing.

Wiscovery Farm

Wiscovery Farm’s flock of registered Katahdin sheep graze at Tyto Solar through the growing season, which typically runs through October. After wintering at nearby Wiscovery Farm, the sheep will return to Tyto Solar in the spring for a second season of solar grazing.

Watch the video

View our latest Green View video featuring the flock of sheep grazing at Tyto Solar. Hear from the local sheep farmers who raise them and from MGE’s renewable energy and sustainability teams. MGE’s Green View is a community-focused video series highlighting clean energy, new technologies and energy efficiency.

MGE’s School Partnerships team

Looking for ways to integrate energy education into your classroom activities? Connect with us! The MGE School Partnerships team offers workshops on energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy and new energy technologies. The team also offers programming around Earth Day and Arbor Day activities. If you have program or information requests, please contact De’Kendrea Stamps at eduservices@mge.com.