Solar energy and farms make a wonderful combination. This is because they can provide the energy and food the world needs without relying on antiquated fossil fuels. The power our sun provides is virtually unlimited, and studies show that within just twenty days it provides more energy than the entire world’s coal, gas and oil resources combined. Below are some ways in which this incredible power can be harnessed.
Why Solar Has Become More Cost Effective
Although the potential of solar power has been known for decades, technological limitations made it too costly to apply widely. This has changed in recent years, due to declining construction costs and price per KW hour, which now regularly surpasses that of coal. Solar farm service and installation is becoming much more viable than the traditional method of establishing power lines. Furthermore, many jurisdictions are friendly to solar power and offer generous tax incentives for farmers that choose to utilize it.
How Solar Power Farming Works
Remote thermometers and aquatic sensors are used to monitor the growing conditions for a range of crops, alerting farmers to alterations in temperature or moisture levels which can forewarn of disasters. These systems also allow one to monitor water usage and drainage, and the sensors can also form connections with the wider grid to continually monitor livestock via ID tracking. For farmers that use calving which is open range, such tools are indispensable.
Farming in regions that receive cold winters has always been challenging, but this technology makes it a lot easier and more efficient through the usage of water heaters which are solar powered. These heating devices will prevent livestock tanks from freezing, along with water supplies. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of solar is its applications within green houses.
Greenhouse farming was developed to give producers greater control of their environment. The problem with traditional systems however was that large operations often incurred exorbitant electrical bills and unexpected fees resulting from having to use the primary power grid or even lay down new lines. Solar power eliminates most of these problems while reducing costs and boosting efficiency.
Advantages Of Using Solar For Irrigation
For major farming projects, providing power to remote aquatic pumps can be very challenging and costly. Pumps which are gravity assisted are good, but must be in the correct environment for dependability. The trouble for many operators is the cost involved with extending the power grid the necessary distance. Even if you have the funds to do it, you still have to contend with potential damage to the line which might disrupt the operation while incurring large repair costs.
Solar power which is remote is the best alternative, as its maintenance needs are low and it provides unmatched flexibility. In fact, any excess energy which is produced from remote areas can be stored, sent to power lines to earn tax credits or used in the main power network. Solar irrigation is also a leading candidate for tax exemptions and agricultural sales in many jurisdictions.