German Solar Farm Powers Grid While Sheltering Grazing Deer

Perigus Energy has successfully launched a unique wildlife park PV system at the Weiherhof estate in Sötern, Germany, where solar modules are elevated to accommodate a herd of fallow deer. By mounting the solar panels between 1.60 and 1.80 meters high, the installation allows the animals to graze freely beneath the infrastructure. This innovative agrivoltaic project, which spans 6.9 hectares, demonstrates how renewable energy generation can coexist with livestock farming. The system provides the herd with essential shade and shelter while simultaneously contributing 8.3 MW of capacity to the local power grid.

The project was developed through a collaborative nine-month process involving close coordination between the solar developer and the estate owner to ensure the safety and comfort of the 150-strong herd. Specialized safety measures, including tailored cable routing and protective fencing, were implemented to address the specific needs of the animals. Beyond the immediate benefits to the livestock, the partial shading provided by the solar modules helps stabilize pasture yields during dry summer months, creating a mutually beneficial environment for both energy production and agricultural land management.

Initial observations indicate that the herd has adapted seamlessly to the new landscape, moving naturally among the rows of solar modules. The facility is expected to produce approximately 9.5 GWh of clean electricity annually. Furthermore, the project supports the local municipality of Nohfelden through a participation agreement under the German Renewable Energy Sources Act, which directs a portion of the revenue generated by the solar farm directly into the municipal budget. Perigus Energy intends to use the operational data from this site to refine future wildlife-integrated solar projects.