Project summary
Mowing between solar rows is slow, costly and risky. Heavy, UV-stabilised woven ground cover stops regrowth, tolerates maintenance traffic and lets rainwater drain.
The challenge
On solar farms, vegetation shades the lower edge of panels, harbours pests and becomes a fire hazard in dry seasons. Mowing around posts and cables is labour-intensive and risks damaging equipment. Herbicides are increasingly restricted. Operators need a long-life, low-maintenance way to keep the ground clear.
The specification
- Fabric: woven polypropylene ground cover at 100–130 g/m² for durability under vehicle and foot traffic.
- UV: stabiliser level selected for the site's latitude and exposure.
- Colour: black for maximum light blocking.
- Format: widths up to 6 m to minimise joints, with woven guide lines for straight installation; 50–200 m rolls.
- Options: reinforced edge binding and fire-retardant treatment for sensitive sites.
Why it works
- Stops regrowth by blocking light, without chemicals.
- Stays permeable so rain drains through and the ground does not erode or pond.
- Tolerates traffic at heavier GSM, so maintenance vehicles can access rows.
- Fast installation with wide rolls, guide lines and ground staples.
The same fabrics are used on mining sites, pipeline rights-of-way, ports and industrial yards.
Products used
Heavy Weight PP Weed Control Fabric with Enhanced, UV Stabilized PP Weed Mat Offset Printing Extended and Industrial PP Weed Control Mat with Permeable. See the weed control fabric guide.
