Solar ... In the news

Martyn1981

China (like many other countries) puts a lot of work and effort into slowing down desertification, and even reclaiming desert land. But this news seems to be a pleasant bonus. The grass growing under some of the desert PV farms is now getting so long/tall, as to need sheep to help control it.

Also, PV farms are now being deployed with this in mind, so taller panels, with more spacing, to help plant growth and animal 'maintenance'.

I hope / guess / assume, that these grazing pastures will benefit other land nearby, suffering or vulnerable to desertification, by changing localised weather and sand movement(?)

China’s Desert Solar Farms Transform Barren Land Through Solar Grazing

The Talatan Gobi Desert in Qinghai Province endured generations of sandstorms and drought. Sparse vegetation made survival difficult for local herders. Since 2012, the region has installed solar panels across more than 300 square kilometers. Over 60 companies now operate photovoltaic installations that form one of China’s major gigawatt-level solar hubs.

The solar arrays created unexpected ecological benefits. Dense panels act as barriers against wind and sand. Their shade produces cooler microclimates and reduces water evaporation. Maintenance crews periodically clean the panels. Runoff water seeps into the soil, nourishing the land.

Grass began growing beneath the panels. Vegetation sometimes reached heights of over one meter. In some areas, plants grew tall enough to block solar panels, reducing power efficiency. Companies faced a challenge that required creative solutions.

Local herders provided the answer through solar grazing. Companies reached agreements allowing sheep to graze beneath panel arrays. The arrangement eliminated manual weeding costs and the need for chemical treatments. Herders gained access to pasture while companies maintained efficient operations.

The Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture expects its 609-square-kilometer photovoltaic park to support grass coverage across 450 square kilometers. Annual grass yield could reach 110,000 tonnes. The energy base also provides employment for local residents.

QrizB

The Middle of Lidl in Germany has a plugin solar starter kit.

Not the biggest of systems, but just look at the price.

Edit: you cansee this bundle, and some other larger-capacity ones, online here:

https://www.lidl.de/h/stromerzeuger/h10031840?pageId=10067761%2F10067532%2F10031840&sort=price

debitcardmayhem

That would be a good choice for camping at that price.

QrizB

Related to comments elsewhere, Greg Jackson has been on the Beeb:

Octopus boss: We've seen a 50% rise in solar panel sales since start of Iran war

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gjlezq80no

I shouldn't be surprised by this, but at the same time there are lots of lovely south-facing roofs around here that remain naked ...

Netexporter

Bad news for me, just when I've very nearly got my act together to upgrade my system.

QrizB

PV Magazine have an article covering an academic report that looks at the financial advantages farmers would see when grazing sheep under PV panels:

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/26/solar-sheep-grazing-delivers-margins-up-to-40-in-new-study/

silverwhistle

I shouldn't be surprised by this, but at the same time there are lots of lovely south-facing roofs around here that remain naked ...

And what is worse is that they are on new housing estates..

Netexporter

Will nobody think of the north/east/wast roofs? Even a north roof will give about 60% of a south roof's annual output.

Netexporter

Actually, that's given me an idea. Perhaps any solar grants, in the future, should be linked to orientation? Nothing for south, a bit foe E/W and a bit more for north.

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81943142#Comment_81943142

Perhaps planners and architects could give some consideration to roof orientation and shading when designing houses with roofs stuffed full of useless dormer windows.

The Future Homes Standard is reportedly set to introduce a minimum solar requirement equivalent to 40% of ground floor space for new builds, which may limit the proliferation of dormer windows.