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Overview
SolarHarvest Farms' 1/2-acre agrivoltaics initiative demonstrates how to combine solar power generation with sustainable agriculture on a small, manageable plot. This model farm integrates renewable energy production, water conservation, and crop cultivation, forming a food-water-energy nexus that exemplifies eco-friendly farming practices.
The initiative is designed for landowners interested in dual-use agriculture, where elevated solar panels produce energy while shading crops below, helping reduce water evaporation and improve plant growth. The system provides a self-sustaining approach to agriculture, ideal for those seeking efficient land use and sustainable resource management.
Key Components
Key Components
Agrivoltaic Solar Array:
Agrivoltaic Solar Array:
The 1/2-acre plot features 250 elevated solar panels (300W each) that generate approximately 355 kWh of energy daily.
These panels power the farm’s irrigation system and other operations, creating energy independence for the farm.
Non Permanent Solar Racking System
Non Permanent Solar Racking System
We employ a unique solar racking system that significantly reduces the cost of our solar installations.
This innovative design also ensures environmental sustainability by leaving the land undisturbed and free from permanent damage.
Solar Storage and conversation
Solar Storage and conversation
One of the key components of this system is its ability to store the energy from the solar panels.
The Battery management system will help to manage, monitor, and report back on energy use.
Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater Harvesting:
The solar panels incorporate a rainwater capture system that directs rain into storage tanks for irrigation, covering nearly 80% of the mini farm’s water needs. This feature allows the farm to conserve water effectively and reduce dependency on external sources.
Utilizing Solar energy for the farm
Utilizing Solar energy for the farm
This system enables the use of solar power on the land, such as powering solar wells equipped with submersible water pumps to draw water for crop irrigation efficiently. The system utilizes solar energy to automate watering with
Timers that operate before and after sunset. This reduces labor and water usage, minimizing water loss during peak sunlight hours and eliminating the need for manual watering. The result is a more efficient and sustainable irrigation process that saves both time and resources.
Sustainable Irrigation:
Sustainable Irrigation:
The farm will use Olla-based irrigation for water efficiency, ensuring slow and steady moisture delivery to plant roots.
Water storage and distribution are fully powered by the solar array, promoting a closed-loop, energy-efficient system.
Benefits
Benefits
Renewable Energy: The farm generates more than enough energy for its needs, with a surplus available for storage or additional uses.
Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting reduces reliance on external water sources with a system that provides nearly all the water required for irrigation.
Increased Crop Yield: Partial shading from the solar panels boosts crop yields, making the farm more productive without increasing water use.
Project Goals
Project Goals
The SolarHarvest Farms initiative aims to:
Maximize Land Use: Achieve optimal productivity by generating energy and growing crops on the same land.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Offer a replicable model for eco-friendly farming that supports renewable energy and resource conservation.
Enhance Economic Viability: Generate surplus energy and crop yield, creating potential revenue sources for landowners.
Scalability
Scalability
This 1/2-acre model can be scaled up to accommodate plots up to 5 acres. The system’s modular nature allows for easy adaptation to different land sizes, making it suitable for both small-scale farms and larger agricultural operations.
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