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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Wind farms are group of wind turbines which produce enough energy to supply thousands of homes from the surrounding areas. Usually, a large wind farm consists of hundreds of wind turbines working together and will cover a large area. Wind farms can be found off-shore, on-shore, near-shore and possibly airborne. The main requirement for a successful wind farm is strong, consistent wind without turbulence all throughout the year, if possible.

Countries all over the world have been exploring this venue for alternative source of energy especially now that traditional sources are steadily depleting. Because of this depletion, energy costs are raising therefore needing to be remedied soon.

As far as farmers are concerned, wind farms won’t affect their farm cycle because the land in which the wind turbines will erect can still be used for farming purposes without any kind of interference. Also, they can benefit from the land’s lease for installed wind turbines. Wind farms are great because they don’t occupy too much space and most of all, wind is free making them cost-effective.

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