Why Volkswagen replaced lawnmowers with 100 sheep at its Poland solar farm and how the unusual move is helping power its factory, cut emissions and boost biodiversity

Volkswagen has introduced a flock of 100 sheep to graze beneath thousands of solar panels at its massive solar farm in Poznań, Poland. The animals are keeping the grass under control while also contributing to scientific research, biodiversity, and sustainable farming, reports Electrek.

The initiative is part of a growing agrivoltaics movement that combines agriculture with renewable energy, proving that the same land can serve multiple purposes at the same time.

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Volkswagen swaps lawnmowers for sheep

Volkswagen is now using 100 sheep to naturally maintain the grass growing beneath more than 31,000 solar panels instead of depending on mechanical mowers. The solar farm supplies clean electricity to Volkswagen's manufacturing facility in Poznań, where the company produces vehicles including the VW e-Crafter commercial van.

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The sheep will remain at the site through the fall under the care of experienced breeders. Their grazing helps prevent excessive vegetation growth without the noise, fuel use, or emissions associated with conventional mowing equipment.

Beyond grass maintenance, the project also creates a healthier environment for insects and other wildlife, making the solar farm more than just an energy-producing site.

The solar farm powers a major part of the factory

The 18.3-megawatt solar farm was built and is managed by Berlin-based Quanta Energy. On bright, sunny days, the installation can generate enough electricity to meet the factory's entire power demand. Across a full year, it provides approximately 25% of the plant's total electricity needs.

That makes the site an important part of Volkswagen's renewable energy strategy while also demonstrating how industrial facilities can make better use of available land.

The sheep are settling in well

According to flock owner Justyna Nowak-Gajek, the animals adapted to their new surroundings quickly. Researchers observing the sheep said their behavior indicates they feel comfortable in the environment.

"We can clearly see that the flock feels safe – the sheep naturally split into smaller groups and graze calmly in different parts of the solar farm. This is the best evidence that they have adapted well to these conditions, because a flock that feels threatened always stays together," she said.

More than grazing: A major agrivoltaics research project

While sheep grazing beneath solar panels has become increasingly common in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, Volkswagen says its Poland project is among Europe's most advanced industrial agrivoltaics initiatives because it combines commercial operations with large-scale scientific research.

The project is being carried out in partnership with Poznań University of Life Sciences.

Researchers are studying several aspects of the site, including:

• Animal welfare
• Biodiversity
• Soil quality
• Plant growth
• Microclimate around the solar panels

The interaction between renewable energy and agriculture

The findings could help shape future solar farm designs that support both clean energy production and farming.

Marzena Pillich-Grońska, director of Volkswagen Poznań, said the solar farm has evolved beyond simply generating renewable electricity.

"Today, the photovoltaic farm delivers much more than green electricity. It has also become a place that supports biodiversity, local agriculture, and scientific research. The sheep grazing project demonstrates that modern industry can work in harmony with nature."

Her comments reflect the broader goal of the initiative—showing that industrial development and environmental conservation do not have to compete with one another.

Scientists are studying the benefits of solar farms for animals

Researchers from Poznań University of Life Sciences believe agrivoltaics offers opportunities that extend far beyond energy generation.

Dr. Joanna Składanowska-Baryza from the university's Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment explained the scope of the research.

"Agrivoltaics allows us to look at photovoltaic farms from a much broader perspective than energy generation alone. We are studying how photovoltaic installations affect animal welfare, the local ecosystem, and whether the shade created by solar panels reduces heat stress in animals. At the same time, we analyze changes in the microclimate, vegetation, and soil to identify solutions that support the effective integration of renewable energy generation with agricultural activity."

Scientists hope the research will provide valuable insights into how renewable energy projects can coexist with agriculture while improving biodiversity and animal welfare.