What if you could enjoy the benefits of solar power around the farm?
Many people associate solar power with ways to power their homes. However, there are a growing number of farming tools that you can power with solar panels.
Converting farming tools to solar power may completely transform how you approach agriculture. Wondering which farming tools can be powered by the sun? Keep reading to discover our comprehensive guide to solar power farming tools!
1. Livestock Fence Chargers
If you own livestock, then fencing is very important to your way of life. And, you need reliable electricity to charge the fence and keep the animals from escaping.
As an alternative to electrical energy, you can power these fences with solar energy instead. All you need are the appropriate solar panels and the skills to make your own solar charger.
Once you make your own charger, you can use your existing electric fence. And you’ll never have to worry about how to power that fence again.
2. Water Pumps and Irrigation
Water is a major component of most farms. And, tasks such as remotely-watering the livestock is much easier once you set up a well pump.
Solar power can make this entire process easier. Solar panels can power the pump with natural energy, allowing you to pump water into the appropriate storage tank as long as the sun is out.
On top of water pumps, solar panels are a great way to power your irrigation needs. Using the power of the sun to replace traditional power sources such as gas or electricity, all while still using your original equipment.
3. Air Heating
When you own a farm in the midwest, water isn’t the only thing that needs heating. You also need a safe and reliable way to provide hot air for animals and farmers alike! You can do so entirely with solar energy by adding solar panels to your farm.
Solar heating is one of the most reliable forms of solar energy. With the right panels in place, your farm can enjoy the savings and other benefits that homeowners have been enjoying for years with solar energy.
Keep in mind that it’s very easy to add these panels to your existing setup. And you’ll start noticing the benefits almost right away!
4. Dehydrators
Depending on what you farm, dehydration may be a major concern. You may need to dry seeds, transform plums into prunes, or perform other tasks where a dehydrator comes in handy.
You can convert existing dehydrators into solar dehydrators quite easily. After that, you can enjoy solar-powered farming technology that has already made international waves.
Remember, if you don’t want to convert a traditional dehydrator into a solar machine, you can build a solar dehydrator from the ground up. This is one of the easier DIY solar projects.
5. Ventilators
If your farm uses greenhouses or animal enclosures, then ventilation is one of your primary concerns. Otherwise, you won’t be able to properly manage the air intake and exhaust.
The best ventilators are automated. After all, what works better for a busy farmer than taking one more responsibility off of their task list?
By adding solar panels, you can help automate the ventilation and run your fan as need be using solar panels. Depending on your needs, you can use solar power for all of the ventilation or regulate your usage via a thermostat.
Regardless of how you use them, powering your ventilation with solar panels can help save time and money.
6. Sensors
A successful farm is virtually impossible without the use of specialized sensors. Such sensors collect vital information about a number of different factors.
Remote sensors allow you to collect info on things like animal food and water consumption as well as soil quality. Such data allows you to adjust your budget and even helps you anticipate problems before they get out of control.
These sensors help you bring all the power of analytic analysis to your farm and these, too, can be powered by solar panels.
You need to monitor things such as soil moisture and weather changes anyway. Why not do this with the reliable power of the sun?
7. Lighting
Lighting plays a major role in the life of a farm. For example, you must cover needs ranging from simple garden lights to exterior illumination and even lighting inside your home.
You don’t need to swap out all of your existing lights for fancy solar lights. Instead, you can add some solar panels to help power this light instead of electricity. Doing so is a great way to lower your electricity bills while making sure your lightning needs are fully met.
8. Tractors and Carts
Right now, solar tractors (a close cousin to the electric tractor) are more theoretical than practical. But with some DIY skills, you can actually use solar panels to power your existing tractors!
If you would like to try that kind of project on a smaller scale, you can also convert your traditional golf carts and other small vehicles to use solar panels instead. This makes it easier and cleaner than ever for you to travel around your farm.
Farming Tools That Use Solar Power: The Future Is Here
Now you know about the various farming tools that use solar power. But do you know who can help you get started with solar power farming tools?
We specialize in all aspects of commercial, residential, and agricultural solar power needs. To see what we can do for you and your farm, contact us today!
