local
‘Solar sheep' industry booms as ranchers, farmers try to co-exist with energy projects
By NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
Clouds skated across the sky as sunshine poked through, reflecting off the sea of solar panels beneath it.A soft wind brushed across the grass as a few sheep poked their heads between the panels.
One let out a brief “baa.”
A tour group on the other side of the fence cooed at the fluffy whit...
Key takeaway Click here to read more on this report from our partners at The Dallas Morning News.
Why this matters in Frisco News
The growth of the solar industry in Frisco and surrounding areas of Collin and Denton counties has sparked interest in agrivoltaics, a practice that combines agriculture and solar energy production. As seen in northeast Texas, ranchers like JR Howard are finding ways to coexist with solar panels by rotating sheep through pastures with the panels, allowing the animals to graze while the panels generate energy. This approach not only benefits the ranchers but also helps maintain the health of the land by preventing overgrazing. The presence of sheep like the white Dorpers also helps to keep vegetation under control, reducing the need for herbicides and other chemicals. As Frisco continues to experience rapid growth and development, the integration of solar energy and agriculture could provide a unique opportunity for the community to balance its economic and environmental goals.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local . Frisco News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Clouds skated across the sky as sunshine poked through, reflecting off the sea of solar panels beneath it.A soft wind brushed across the grass as a few sheep poked their heads between the panels.
One let out a brief “baa.”
A tour group on the other side of the fence cooed at the fluffy whit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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