Tony

Build the grid | NSW

Grazing under the panels – why regional Australia needs local energy hubs

When merino wool grower Tony Inder could see green grass under the panels of the solar farm that had been built next door to his farm, while his side was dry, he asked if he could put some sheep in to help with mowing costs.

The sixth-generation western NSW farmer’s idea to graze his sheep under solar farms has seen the quality of the wool improve and yields increase by 20%.

But it hasn’t all been easy. Even though renewables are helping to save family farms by generating regular income so they remain profitable, even through periods of rising costs, drought and flood, many don’t know what’s possible and there is little support available.

That’s why Tony is calling for Local Energy Hubs – outreach centres staffed by respected local people who are independent from industry, that support communities in understanding and participating in the shift to renewable energy. 

“If there had been a Local Energy Hub, it would’ve helped us and it would’ve made our decision making it a lot simpler.”

“It wasn’t something that you could walk into the local pub and say ‘G’day fellas, anyone know anything about solar, I’m going to sign the farm up?’ You’d have got run out of town.”

But Tony persisted – and solar grazing is benefitting both his farming operation, and the running of the solar farm. Sheep keep the grass down, saving on maintenance costs. And the panels promote better pasture growth, because of the rain effect produced by condensation. Tony’s stocking rates have gone up because he’s got more feed and he’s producing better quality wool under the panels.

“The sheep just do really well. I like to say that panel sheep are happy sheep.”