Another Toyota West Virginia environmental initiative that goes beyond the Biodiversity Trail is how we’ve leveled up our groundskeeping practices!
At the TMMMV solar array, we’ve implemented the most eco-friendly (and the cutest!) way to care for the grounds surrounding the solar panels: sheep! From April through October, a herd of 40 sheep graze under the five-acre solar field and pitch in by keeping the grass trimmed. This helps the panels soak up the sun rays without any shadows, improves the soil, and reduces the need for mowers.
This approach allows us to use the land for BOTH solar and energy generation. This practice, called agrivoltaics, is a win-win for everyone: sheep, land, farmers, and the planet. By sharing space between solar panels and grazing animals, it’s easier to maintain the land, grow healthier vegetation, provide food for the sheep, and eliminate pollution from gas powered mowers.
Toyota team members across North America participate in species protection projects as part of Wildlife Habitat Council® (WHC) certification programs. WHC helps us evaluate animal species on our sites and identify appropriate habitat creation and enhancement projects.