When one of the world’s largest solar power plants was installed near his home in Texas, sheepherder JR Howard never imagined it would become a lucrative opportunity for his sheep business.

Context. Despite being the U.S.’s top oil producer, Texas has made one of the nation’s strongest commitments to renewable energy, even surpassing California in solar production.

Milam County, located just outside Austin, is home to the fifth-largest solar photovoltaic farm in the world. SB Energy owns this facility, which spans 1,600 hectares of rural land and generates up to 900 MW of clean energy.

3,000 sheep. The shade of hundreds of thousands of solar panels not only supports the flourishing of previously threatened insects like bees but also promotes healthy grass growth, which requires regular maintenance.

Traditionally, the solar industry has relied on gas-powered lawn mowers to manage grass, which contradicts the core principle of renewable energy. However, SB Energy chose a more sustainable and traditional approach: a flock of 3,000 shee