Mon Power's Innovative Solar Grazing: A Sustainable Blend of Agriculture and Renewable Energy in West Virginia
In an exciting fusion of agriculture and renewable energy, Mon Power is implementing a unique solar grazing program at its solar site adjacent to the Fort Martin Power Station in Monongalia County, West Virginia. This innovative approach employs hundreds of sheep to maintain the vegetation surrounding the installation of 50,000 solar panels, offering both an environmentally friendly solution and economic benefits for local farmers.
This fall, approximately 350 sheep grazed in the 80-acre solar facility, effectively trimming the grass and weeds that threaten to block sunlight from reaching the solar panels. By using natural lawnmowers, Mon Power aims to reduce reliance on traditional machinery, thereby lowering its carbon footprint while supporting local agriculture. According to the American Solar Grazing Association, this method is gaining popularity, currently implemented at over 506 solar sites across 30 states.
Dan Rossero, Vice President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia Generation, emphasizes the importance of this project: "We're managing this site with an innovative approach that blends renewable energy and agriculture for the benefit of our community. Solar grazing allows us to keep the site operating efficiently while supporting local farmers and reducing our environmental footprint. By partnering with sheep farmers and advancing solar power, we're making a positive impact that extends well beyond the fence line."
The concept stems from a simple yet profound logic: Vegetation growth at solar sites must be managed carefully. If left unchecked, extended grass can create unwanted shade, which hinders the panels' energy production. Sheep are particularly well-suited for this task; they enjoy a diverse diet that includes many invasive weeds and thrive in shaded areas beneath solar panels, where using mowers and weed eaters can be challenging. Additionally, the solar panels provide a protective cover against inclement weather, ensuring that the sheep can graze comfortably while performing their vital role.
As winter approaches, the sheep will return to their farms in Pocahontas County after spending the fall diligently working at the solar site. They will resume their responsibilities in the spring, demonstrating a sustainable and regenerative approach towards managing vegetation in an already renewable energy-producing environment. Nate Dean and Luci Mosesso, the owners of Sivic LLC - the company contracted for solar grazing - highlight the program's dual purpose: it supports the local ecosystem and enables agricultural practices to contribute positively to renewable energy production.
The Fort Martin solar site, launched in early 2024, represents the first of three locations developed under the Mon Power and Potomac Edison solar initiative, greatly focusing on transforming brownfield sites or impacted industrial properties into viable solar energy sources. In conjunction with two additional sites located in Marion County and Berkeley County, the companies have established a total capacity of 30 megawatts of solar energy, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, consumers who advocate for renewable energy in West Virginia are encouraged to support this initiative. Mon Power offers solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which represent the environmental benefits of solar energy generation and ensure that energy production is attributed correctly to their customers. To learn more about these efforts or join in promoting renewable energy, interested individuals can visit firstenergycorp.com/WVsolar or reach out via their dedicated contact line.
Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, contributing to the clean energy movement while engaging local farmers and supporting the economy. As this program continues to grow, it may also pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions, showcasing the harmony between agriculture and sustainable energy practices. All eyes will be on West Virginia as Mon Power sets the standard for innovative, responsible energy generation in an era of increasing environmental consciousness.
This fall, approximately 350 sheep grazed in the 80-acre solar facility, effectively trimming the grass and weeds that threaten to block sunlight from reaching the solar panels. By using natural lawnmowers, Mon Power aims to reduce reliance on traditional machinery, thereby lowering its carbon footprint while supporting local agriculture. According to the American Solar Grazing Association, this method is gaining popularity, currently implemented at over 506 solar sites across 30 states.
Dan Rossero, Vice President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia Generation, emphasizes the importance of this project: "We're managing this site with an innovative approach that blends renewable energy and agriculture for the benefit of our community. Solar grazing allows us to keep the site operating efficiently while supporting local farmers and reducing our environmental footprint. By partnering with sheep farmers and advancing solar power, we're making a positive impact that extends well beyond the fence line."
The concept stems from a simple yet profound logic: Vegetation growth at solar sites must be managed carefully. If left unchecked, extended grass can create unwanted shade, which hinders the panels' energy production. Sheep are particularly well-suited for this task; they enjoy a diverse diet that includes many invasive weeds and thrive in shaded areas beneath solar panels, where using mowers and weed eaters can be challenging. Additionally, the solar panels provide a protective cover against inclement weather, ensuring that the sheep can graze comfortably while performing their vital role.
As winter approaches, the sheep will return to their farms in Pocahontas County after spending the fall diligently working at the solar site. They will resume their responsibilities in the spring, demonstrating a sustainable and regenerative approach towards managing vegetation in an already renewable energy-producing environment. Nate Dean and Luci Mosesso, the owners of Sivic LLC - the company contracted for solar grazing - highlight the program's dual purpose: it supports the local ecosystem and enables agricultural practices to contribute positively to renewable energy production.
The Fort Martin solar site, launched in early 2024, represents the first of three locations developed under the Mon Power and Potomac Edison solar initiative, greatly focusing on transforming brownfield sites or impacted industrial properties into viable solar energy sources. In conjunction with two additional sites located in Marion County and Berkeley County, the companies have established a total capacity of 30 megawatts of solar energy, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, consumers who advocate for renewable energy in West Virginia are encouraged to support this initiative. Mon Power offers solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which represent the environmental benefits of solar energy generation and ensure that energy production is attributed correctly to their customers. To learn more about these efforts or join in promoting renewable energy, interested individuals can visit firstenergycorp.com/WVsolar or reach out via their dedicated contact line.
Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, contributing to the clean energy movement while engaging local farmers and supporting the economy. As this program continues to grow, it may also pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions, showcasing the harmony between agriculture and sustainable energy practices. All eyes will be on West Virginia as Mon Power sets the standard for innovative, responsible energy generation in an era of increasing environmental consciousness.
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