How Solar Farm Vegetation Management Improves Output, Safety, and ROI
Why Vegetation Management Matters for Solar Farms
Large solar farms are rapidly expanding across the U.S., to keep this newer energy source running smoothly and efficiently is key to it’s long term success.
Vegetation management is one of the important aspects to reduce fire hazards, improve panel efficiency, and more.
Overgrowth impacts more than aesthetics — it reduces panel efficiency, increases fire risk, limits site access, and drives up long-term maintenance costs.
Solar operators are under pressure to:
- Maximize power output year-round
- Maintain safety compliance for insurers and regulators
- Reduce unplanned downtime and emergency repair costs
Lanracorp partners with solar farm operators nationwide to deliver proactive, high-efficiency vegetation management programs designed for maximum ROI, safety, and reliability.
The Challenge: Risks of Overgrowth at Utility-Scale Solar Sites
A utility-scale solar operator was experiencing:
- Significant energy losses from panel shading (10–30% output drop) due to tall grass and invasive species
- Increased fire hazard from dry vegetation around electrical equipment and panel arrays
- Delayed inspections and repairs because overgrowth blocked access roads and inverter pads
- Rising liability exposure from blocked emergency routes and inaccessible infrastructure
The operator needed a nationwide, turnkey vegetation management solution that addressed efficiency, compliance, and safety without disrupting daily operations.
The Solution: Lanracorp’s Vegetation Management Approach
Lanracorp developed and executed a custom vegetation management plan based on the client’s site conditions, environmental requirements, and operational schedule.
Assessment & GIS Mapping
- Map site for acreage, scope of work, and for ideal spray & habitat zones
- Build a full vegetation management plan that uses herbicides, specialty mowing equipment, and native grasses to improve site appearance while reducing long term costs.
Strategic Mowing & Herbicide Application
- Scheduled mowing early and built a structured mowing schedule
- Applied pre-emergent herbicides to prevent regrowth and reduce mowing frequency
- Maintained bare-ground zones under and between panel rows for fire prevention
Safety & Compliance Integration
- Crews trained and certified in solar site safety protocols
- Maintained clearances per local regulations and insurance fire prevention standards
- Protected fence lines, inverter pads, transformers, and access roads
Operational Continuity
- Coordinated work to avoid downtime or interference with energy production
- Provided GIS-based progress tracking and compliance reporting
The Results: Measurable Gains in Output, Safety, and ROI
- Energy Output Increase: Sites with early-season mowing and herbicide programs saw up to 18% higher early-season production, covering the cost of maintenance within months.
- Fire Risk Reduction: Eliminated dense fuel beds under arrays, reducing ignition potential in high-risk zones.
- Improved Access: All roads, inverter pads, and panel rows remained clear, reducing maintenance time and emergency response delays.
- Long-Term ROI: Preventive maintenance lowered total vegetation management costs versus reactive, remediation-only approaches.
Client Testimonial:
“Lanracorp transformed our solar site operations. Our output went up, fire risk went down, and our crews can get in and out without delays. They understand solar farms and deliver every time.”
— Operations Manager, Utility-Scale Solar Farm
BEFORE
AFTER
Why Solar Farms Choose Lanracorp
Specialized mowing equipment for solar layouts
Pre-emergent herbicide programs for lasting control
Safety-first, certified crews
GIS documentation for transparency
Nationwide service capability
Don’t wait until overgrowth costs you power, profit, or safety.
Book your vegetation management plan early to lock in seasonal efficiency gains and reduce risks. Request a site assessment today.
Lanracorp — Done right the first time. Every time after.
We are different by design.
Are you ready for the Lanracorp experience?