Solar power is fast becoming one of the most attractive sources of energy today.  With the cost of energy growing higher every day, people, farmers included are now turning to the sun to supplement and help reduce the cost of running their properties.

We have all seen pumps that are powered with the wind to supply farms with water for irrigation.  Relying on these sorts of energy is nothing new for farmers.  However, with the sun, farmers get a more consistent energy source compared to the wind.  Skylights that use the sun to dry hay and other products have been around for a long time too, but it is only now that  practical applications such as this is being used again.  Solar dryers are also now being used to dry crops and grain.  A typical dryer is composed of an enclosed shed with screened drying trays or rack.  A solar collector helps collect sun power while a fan helps induce the natural convection to move hot air through the crops to dry them.

As technology improves, so do solar panels.  Solar powered irrigation systems, heat barns and water.  Solar panels are also used to heat greenhouses which can store and collect solar energy.  These buildings are reinforced with insulation to preserve heat even during at night.  To further preserve solar energy, greenhouses usually face the south while the northern side is insulated for heat preservation.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are also cheaper compared to running power lines across large properties.  They can also be controlled remotely and are used to power electrified fences, lights and water pumps.  Farmers like to use them for remote livestock water supply, pond aeration, and small irrigation systems.

Although converting to solar energy can mean a substantial investment to most farmers, technology will continue to improve and access to cheaper means of converting will be made available in the foreseeable future.  It won’t be long before we can see a fully solar operated farm!

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