How to Use Solar Power on a Farm

Solar power is quickly becoming an attractive alternative to many other types of energy. Sunshine is abundant and its power storable, making solar power is an inexhaustible form of fuel. Since solar energy is stored in batteries, its power can move to any location making this a great power source for farmers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Solar array
• Photovoltaic cells
• Batteries

1. Determine the size of the farm and the energy needs to complete everyday electrical tasks. Compute all of the energy figures from irrigation to harvesting. This figure will indicate the size of the solar power array needed for the farm.
2. Use solar power to heat all of the farm's water. Solar hot water heaters serve as a great way to keep hot water at the ready without electricity. Hot water solar arrays are available in kits ready for installation.
3. Renovate barns and outbuildings to use solar power to light the structures. Skylights and other transparent roofing will allow the sun's light to illuminate these buildings without the need for expensive and energy draining light fixtures.
4. Power the farm's electric fencing with remote solar panels. Place photovoltaic cell panels along the fence line at regular intervals to provide an energy source to the electric fencing.
5. Provide solar power to the farm's irrigation pumps at remote locations. These solar panels produce enough energy to cattle well pumps anywhere on the farm. Distant cattle grazing areas will have fresh water pumps that the farmer won't have to connect to expensive electric power lines.

Tips & Warnings

• Install wind generators on the farm as well. These systems work just as well as solar power and will continue to supplement the batteries at night and during inclement weather.
• Ask the local electric power supplier if they will buy back any excess energy the solar power arrays generate. Many municipalities buy energy put back into the grid or offer incentives to convert to alternative energy.

Who Can Help:

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