Solar Farms Protect Grazing Livestock from Lightning Strikes

Imagine a farm where solar panels and grazing cattle share the same land, producing both clean energy and healthy livestock. These agrivoltaic systems are spreading fast, but researchers at Technische Universität Ilmenau in Germany just spotted a hidden danger and figured out how to fix it.

The metal structures that hold solar panels don't attract more lightning than open fields. But when lightning does strike, those conductive frames can change how electricity spreads through the ground, creating dangerous voltages that could hurt animals standing nearby.

"While PV installations are not expected to increase the probability of lightning strikes, their conductive mounting structures can modify ground potential distribution during a strike," explained lead researcher Kamila Costa. Cattle are especially at risk because of their size, how they stand, and their habit of clustering near metal supports during storms.

Here's the good news: no lightning incidents involving livestock at solar farms have been reported yet. Costa's team isn't responding to accidents. They're preventing them before they happen.

The challenge was tricky. Scientists had limited data on how much electrical current animals can safely tolerate from lightning strikes. The research team created new safety benchmarks by studying experimental data and adapting international electrical standards for livestock.

Using computer simulations of a real agrivoltaic site, they tested how electricity from lightning spreads through wet and dry soil conditions. They measured dangerous voltage zones where cattle might stand or touch metal structures. Then they designed better grounding systems to redirect that electricity safely into the earth.

The Bright Side

The solutions won't break the bank. Optimized grounding systems and strategic use of insulating materials in high risk areas add modest costs without significantly affecting the overall energy prices these farms produce.

Better yet, this research arrives at exactly the right moment. Agrivoltaic systems are still new in many countries, and large scale livestock projects are just getting started. Farmers can now build in safety measures from day one rather than retrofitting after problems emerge.

The team published their findings in Electric Power System Research, giving engineers and farmers a roadmap for designing lightning protection tailored specifically to animals. A severe lightning event could mean significant economic losses for farmers and damage public trust in this promising technology.

Costa sees this work as strengthening the long term success of agrivoltaics. By addressing safety concerns proactively, the industry can grow with confidence that both energy production and animal welfare are protected.

Solar farms and grazing cattle can thrive together safely, producing double harvests without double risks.