Find out how solar panels revolutionize agriculture and how renewable energy supports irrigation, heating of the greenhouse and efficiency.

The growth of the world population has a significant impact on energy consumption. According to statistics, it is estimated that the demand for food will increase with 35-56% Pana in 2050which will lead to an increase in energy consumption associated with agriculture. Traditional agricultural practices such as Irrigation, soil processing and transport of agricultural products, It requires a significant amount of energy and contributes to carbon dioxide emissions. [1]

These problems can be mitigated using photovoltaic panels in the agricultural sector. Solar panels can prove to be very useful for farmers from different points of view. Find out what they are, but also which financing programs exist to support the achievement of energy independence in this sector in Romania!

Applicability of photovoltaic panels in the agricultural sector

Use Solar panel systems In the agricultural sector it is a topic of growing interest, since farmers want sustainable solutions to reduce costs and protect the environment. A technology just implemented in this sector are Agrovoltaic systems. These represent an innovative form of integrated use of agricultural land for simultaneous solar energy and agricultural crops. Systems combine photovoltaic solar panels with agricultural activities on the same land, so that you can get double benefits: renewable energy production and food or other agricultural products.

There are different types of agrovoltaic systems, depending on how solar panels and agricultural activities are integrated:

• High assembly systems: Involves the positioning of solar panels to a higher height above the crops, allowing crops to grow under the panels. This space between panels and land allows you to penetrate light and water to grow plants;
• soil assembly systems: The solar panels are mounted on structures at the ground level, between the crop files. They can supply a partial shadow to crops, protecting them from extreme temperatures and reducing water evaporation;
• Flagant systems: In some regions, solar panels can be installed on water surfaces, such as irrigation or lakes, using the so-called «Solar-Powder» technology. This not only generates energy, but also prevents the excessive evaporation of water, reducing the multiplication of algae in the pools.

If you activate in the agricultural sector, you can use the energy generated by photovoltaic panels for many purposes:

• for the supply of irrigation systems, thus reducing dependence on traditional energy sources;
• To heat the greenhouses, thus guaranteeing an optimal environment for the development of plants;
• for the conservation of food, through the cooling or freezing systems fueled by photovoltaic panels;
• To provide water pumps used to bring water to the surface from underground sources, thus supporting the water needs of the crops;
• for electrifying agricultural equipment, agricultural buildings and structures;
  for lighting systems.

The advantages of the adoption of solar energy for farmers

1. Improvement of the rendering of agricultural land with the help of agrovoltaic systems: Agrovoltaic systems combine photovoltaic panels and agricultural crops, thus creating a favorable environment for plants. Photovoltaic panels protect the crops from excessive solar radiation and create a shadow capable of reducing water evaporation and increasing its use. They also allow to optimize the use of the earth, since solar energy is generated simultaneously with the growth of agricultural crops, which can increase the productivity of the agricultural lands of approximately 60%. [2]
2. Agrovoltaic contribution to the circular economy and sustainable development of local communities: These systems promote the efficient use of resources and generate added value for the community by recovering the lands used for the construction of solar plants. These systems can contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities by creating new jobs and stimulating the local economy. They also bring organic benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of biodiversity.
3. Improve energy safety for independence from the electricity grid: By adopting solar energy, farmers become less dependent on fluctuations in energy prices and can guarantee a constant cost of agricultural production. This provides them with greater financial stability and reduces the risk associated with addiction to the electrical network. In addition, solar energy can contribute to increasing the resilience of communities in the face of possible energy crises.

Other advantages of photovoltaic panels in farms

One of the greatest advantages of the installation of photovoltaic panels in farms Reduce operating costs. To produce one's electricity through photovoltaic panels it can lead to a significant reduction in electricity invoices. At the same time, even if the initial investment in a photovoltaic system can be considerable, the cost economy and the guarantee of a photovoltaic panel can be amortized in a few years. For example, photovoltaic panels with the best performance have a guarantee of fish productivity 80% to 25 From the date of production.

The use of solar energy is an excellent way to Reduce the carbon footprint of a farm If the Environmental protection. Photovoltaic panels do not emit greenhouse gases and help fight climate change. In addition, solar energy is a renewable and inexhaustible source, which means that you can get clean and sustainable energy.

Photovoltaic panels also allow you to be less dependent on the traditional electricity network. In the case of interruptions of electricity, farm farm farms farm can continue to work without interruption. This energy independence offers safety and stability in the functioning of the farm, regardless of the external conditions or the fluctuations of electricity prices.

In addition, agrovoltaic systems reduce the evaporation of humidity from the ground. If you choose to install this system, you can reduce soil humidity losses 40%. So, the water you normally use to clean the solar panels that you can recycle it for the irrigation of crops. In addition, the vegetation below the photovoltaic panels has a low thermal stress, increasing the energy efficiency of the panels. [3]

The program for photovoltaic panels on the farm

Among the financing programs for solar panels there are a program specially developed for farms, a great project that aims to implement solar energy in the agricultural sector in Romania. The loan is obtained from the European Investment Bank (EIB) through the modernization fund. With a sum of 500 million eurosThis program offers a great financial opportunity for farmers and transformers. [4]

By installing photovoltaic panels, farmers can significantly reduce product costs, which leads to the improvement of the competitiveness of Romanian products on the market. The reduction of dependence on traditional energy sources and the use of solar energy contributes to increasing efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

The program for photovoltaic panels on the farm should be launched on the date of September 30, 2023.

In conclusion, photovoltaic panels represent a practicable solution for agriculture, offering farmers the opportunity to produce renewable energy, with multiple advantages for the environment and productivity. Given the increase in energy consumption and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, the adoption of solar energy in the agricultural sector becomes increasingly imperative. We invite you to inform you and invest in photovoltaic panels, to improve your agricultural practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

source

[1] Editorial and Web Services VoInin.com. «Through Romania: agrovoltaicii to the intersection between agriculture and solar energy for a sustainable future • Investnergy.» InvestorsgyMarch 2023, www.investenergy.ro/agrovoltaicele-la intersectia-dicre- agriculture-si-deegie-laretru-a-uni-vitor-monstten/#: ~: Text = Este%20PRIONIZAT%C4%83%20o%20cre%c8%99tere%20a, Preocation%20Major%C4%83%20la%20nivel%20mondial. Access to August 31, 2023.

[2] Lucian Pamfile. «Agrovoltaicii to the intersection between agriculture and solar energy for a sustainable future – like Romania.» Fel Romania – The next generation is hereMarch 2023, Felromania.ro/agrovoltaicele-la-intersectia-dicre- agriculture-to-energy-spear-life-na-una-viitor-sustobill/. Access to August 31, 2023.

[3] The farmer's magazine. «Agrivoltaic, the system with countless advantages for agriculture – The Farmer Magazine.» RevistaFermierului.roThe Magazine of the Farmer, 28 July 2023, www.revistafemierului.ro/din-revanta/tehnica-agricola/item/5815-grivoltaic-te-numarate-benefififi-Pentu-gricultura.html. Access to August 31st. 2023.

‌[4] «Two new financing programs will be launched by the Ministry of Agriculture on September 30th.» Agrointtel.roAugust 30, 2023, Agrointtel.ro/270272/doUa-noi-programme-de-finantare-for-lanSato-de-ministerul- agriculturii- 30-septembrie/. Access to August 31, 2023.