North Carolina State University and Nevados, a manufacturer of single axis solar trackers, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday to launch a project and facility for researching and implementing agricultural photovoltaics.

The North Carolina State University Agricultural Photovoltaic Complementary Training Base is the first of its kind in the southeast, where students and solar energy professionals can learn about the practice of agricultural photovoltaic complementarity and install solar energy technology on steep terrain using Nevados' patented tracking technology. Agricultural photovoltaic complementarity refers to colonizing solar panels and agricultural activities on the same land, including food and livestock production.

This new solar training center is a testament to the power of partnership, "said Chris Frey, Vice Dean and Head of Research and Infrastructure at the School of Engineering. This is a stunning interdisciplinary collaboration between North Carolina State University's Clean Energy Technology Center, Department of Animal Sciences, and Nevados, a manufacturer of solar tracking systems. This makes North Carolina State University a sustained leader in energy and agricultural education for students and professionals in their careers. ”

Yesterday's release included a preview of the university's new agricultural photovoltaic training, titled 'Agricultural Photovoltaic in Action: Improving the Operation and Maintenance of Ranch Integrated Solar Stations'. This course will be launched in the spring of 2026, providing solar professionals with the necessary skills for navigating through grazed solar sites, including working with electric fences, sheep protection animals, and sheep based vegetation management. It also offers strategies to simplify operations and maintenance, as well as promote collaboration between solar operators and grazing professionals.

Grazing sheep on solar farms provides many benefits for the solar and sheep industry, "said Dr. Andrew Weaver, assistant professor of animal science. These benefits include reducing the need for mowing and more effective vegetation management, protecting farmland, improving public image, and providing career opportunities for local sheep producers. North Carolina State University's agro solar complementary training base will provide valuable opportunities to train our students and farmers to master the best management methods for solar powered grazing. This training base is not just about solar energy; it is pioneering the future of sheep production - a more resilient, productive, and profitable future for North Carolina and the world.

The training venue includes three rows of Nevados' TRACE all terrain tracking system and three types of solar modules, which will be used for agricultural solar complementary education, especially solar grazing, as well as solar technician training through the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, Nevados, and Animal Science Department.