As utility-scale solar farms continue to grow across the U.S., proper vegetation management is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s mission-critical. Overgrowth not only affects the aesthetics of your site, but it also directly impacts energy output, fire risk, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure costs.
Lanracorp has worked with solar operators across the country to design and execute high-efficiency vegetation management programs that maximize ROI while meeting environmental and safety standards.
Vegetation Impact on Panel Efficiency and Solar Farm Safety
When even a single cell in a string is shaded, it can halve the output of that entire string (or worse) due to internal circuit responses.
Shading from overgrowth significantly reduces solar energy production. Even partial shading of panels can disrupt the entire string and reduce output by 10%–30%, depending on system configuration. Taller grasses and invasive species can cast shadows on lower panel arrays.
Unmaintained vegetation leads to inconsistent energy yield and fluctuating production forecasts.
Regular mowing and strategic herbicide use keep vegetation below impact height and ensure consistent exposure.
Some studies show that the average solar site improved output by over 18% in early-season production by implementing a structured mowing and pre-emergent herbicide plan that reduced spring overgrowth. That more than pays for the mowing maintenance alone.
Fire Risk Reduction for Solar Farm Safety
Solar farms are often built in dry, rural areas with dense vegetation — a perfect storm for fires. Tall grasses, dry brush, and electrical currents create fuel beds under and around solar arrays.
Without proactive maintenance, the risk of ignition from electrical faults, hot equipment, or even external fire sources increases drastically.
A comprehensive vegetation management plan lowers this risk by:
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Reducing vegetation under and between rows
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Using herbicides to maintain bare ground areas
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Supporting compliance with local and insurance fire prevention regulations
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has cited unmanaged vegetation on solar farms as a growing fire hazard. Prevention is far less costly than cleanup.
Site Access, Operations, and Solar Farm Safety
Overgrown sites delay inspections, damage equipment, slow maintenance crews, and hinder response time during emergencies.
Lanracorp’s team ensures:
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Clean paths for maintenance crews
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Clean and maintained sites so workers aren’t working in tall grass
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Clear lines for inspections and maintenance
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Protected fence lines, inverters, transformers, and access roads
The Bottom Line for Solar Farm Safety and Performance
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Energy Lost: 10–30% drop from shading
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Fire Risk: Elevated without active maintenance
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Liability Exposure: Higher if access is blocked or equipment damaged
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Cost Savings: Long-term ROI from proactive management vs remediation
The Lanracorp Difference in Solar Farm Safety
Lanracorp offers turnkey vegetation management programs built specifically for solar operators. Whether it’s regular mowing, herbicide applications, or erosion control, we tailor our programs to your schedule, site conditions, and goals — nationwide.
Our services include:
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Specialized mowing equipment designed for solar layouts
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Pre-emergent herbicide programs for long-term control
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Safety-first crews, trained and certified
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GIS documentation for transparency and tracking
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Optional support with vegetation plans and compliance reporting
Ready to Improve Efficiency, Safety & Uptime?
We can completely manage your vegetation management needs. But don’t wait until the last minute to book our services. We offer a plan that can save you money, be proactive, and get the work done early in the year.
Don’t let overgrowth cost you power, profit, or risk. Lanracorp is the contractor trusted by solar operators who want it done right the first time — and every time after.
Contact Lanracorp to request a site assessment and book our crews today. Don’t wait.