AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS OF SOLAR ENERGY
Climate change is the most pressing issue in the twenty-first century. With the global temperature continuing to rise, it is critical for every sector to focus on the amount of greenhouse gases it emits and the amount of fossil fuels it consumes. Climatic extremes like drought, floods, and early frost are all being exacerbated by rising temperatures.
Solar energy is proving to be a boon to humanity in the face of such mounting concerns. Every industry is attempting to use this sustainable energy source.
Agriculture is one of the industries that can greatly profit from the use of solar energy. As the world’s population grows, the demand for food products is increasing at an exponential rate. For effective and seamless operation of the facilities, more affordable and enhanced energy sources are required. These energy sources are safe, clean, and do not hurt people or the environment. Many farm energy requirements can be met or supplemented with solar energy.
Application of Solar Energy in Agricultural Operations
The Challenge # 1
Electricity is used extensively in agricultural operations such as poultry and dairy farms. A chicken farm, for example, necessitates electricity to power fans and must keep a constant temperature throughout the year. Electricity costs are rising every year, putting a burden on farm profitability. This is why most agricultural farms require a renewable energy solution that can handle the enormous energy demands of heating broiler buildings, which house thousands of chickens, while also lowering carbon emissions. It is also critical for the sector to lower its energy expenditures as much as possible in order to remain viable in a competitive market.
The Solution
Solar panels and other renewable energy solutions provide significant returns on investment by lowering energy bills and contributing to a greener environment. Solar panels are an excellent alternative energy solution for farms and agriculture. With our solar panels and other goods, you may virtually halve your energy expenditures while continuing to farm without interruption. Solar energy can help a farm save money on power and heating. This results in significant cost savings and a reduction in peak-time energy costs.
The Challenge # 2
Air and water heating are frequently used in livestock and dairy businesses. Animals are raised in enclosed buildings on modern pig and poultry farms, where temperature and air quality must be carefully controlled to ensure the animals’ health and growth. To eliminate moisture, harmful gases, odours, and dust, these facilities must replace the indoor air on a regular basis. When this air needs to be heated, it takes a lot of energy.
The Solution
Solar heaters can be integrated into farm buildings with proper planning and design to pre-heat incoming fresh air. Depending on the region and weather, these systems can also be used to supplement natural ventilation levels during the summer months.
The Challenge # 3
Unreliable electrical supply is a major source of anxiety for many farmers. Every year farmers live under the fear of worry about power cuts, and many suffer significant losses as a result.
The Solution
PV solar panels can also be utilised to generate power from sunlight, without living under the fear of interrupted power failures. This is typically a more cost-effective option than traditional means of supplying electricity, particularly in distant areas where power transmission lines are difficult to install. They have no moving parts and are therefore less complicated to maintain than diesel fuels. With various technological advances in agriculture, it is easier to store solar energy for later use. Farmers can utilise batteries to store solar energy during peak hours and use it later as per requirement. A photovoltaic system never runs out of energy. Solar electric power is highly useful on farms and ranches, and it is frequently the most cost-effective and low-maintenance choice when the nearest utility line is a long way away.
A Winning Combination
Solar energy can be used in agriculture in a variety of ways to save money, increase self-sufficiency, and reduce pollution. Solar energy can be harvested indefinitely, giving farmers a long-term source of income. Renewable energy can be used to replace other fuels and is one of the most promising and significant opportunities for agricultural value-added products. The type of renewable energy technology used in agriculture is determined by the type of energy required, the availability of renewable energy sources, and the design of agricultural facilities and processes.
Applications
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- Solar heat collectors can be an effective renewable energy system to dry crops and warm homes, livestock barns, and greenhouses.
- Solar water heaters can provide hot water for diary operations, and pen cleaning. Farm operations, as well as remote field monitoring devices, water pumps, lighting, and electric fences, can all be powered by solar electric systems.
- Instead of using electric light, buildings and barns can be modified to capture natural day light. Solar electricity is frequently less expensive than lengthy power lines, making the farm more inexpensive and efficient.
- Agricultural farms typically have lots of sunny, available roof space. A roof mounted solar system allows the business to transition away from electricity generated by the utility company, to clean electricity generated on site.
A sustainable approach to farming
The benefits of on-site rooftop solar power generation to the dairy business, local residents, and the environment are as follows:
- Because chilling equipment utilise the majority of electric power in the dairy business, having on-site solar power generation can significantly lower the per unit cost of electricity.
- Operation & maintenance of the solar power installation can create employment & business opportunities in the region
- Operation & maintenance of the solar power installation can create employment & business opportunities in the region
- Solar energy may be used to pump water for cattle and crops, and it has a lot of potential for solar irrigation.
In Conclusion
Renewable energy and farming are a winning combination. Solar energy can be the key to lowering production costs of every type of farm — dairy, poultry or sheep farm — and prove to be a practical solution to lowering farming energy use and expense.