Where we get our energy: Eli Lilly's Kinsale solar farm does the work of 5,000 acres of trees to offset emissions

The solar farm of 12,600 panels spread over 16 acres is almost invisible from the surrounding area

The solar farm of 12,600 panels spread over 16 acres is almost invisible from the surrounding area. Photo: Neil Michael

A grazing ground for sheep is the last thing you would expect to see in a huge field packed with solar panels.

But, at Eli Lilly’s Kinsale solar farm, that is one of the first things you notice under row upon row of its tilted tiles: neatly hewn grass, and ... sheep.