Putnam County’s Toyota plant has developed a creative solution for maintaining the grounds surrounding five acres of solar panels. Company officials are calling it “lambscaping.” An environmental initiative by the company has brought a herd of 20 sheep to feed on vegetation, keeping the area clear over overgrowth that could block the panels from sunshine. Compared to a mower, sheep have a lower carbon footprint and reduce the need for pesticides, according to a news release.
Toyota West Virginia is the company’s first plant to utilize agrivoltaics – the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and the generation of solar energy. The herd will be on site from April through October.