The required solar power depends entirely on the farm's load profile, specifically the wattage of irrigation pumps and cold storage, multiplied by their daily running hours. An accurate sizing requires calculating the total energy demand (kWh) and designing a solar array and battery bank that can support this load during both sunny and cloudy periods.
Reliable Off-Grid Energy Systems for Farms and Agriculture
An off-grid farm energy system combines solar generation, battery storage, power conversion and intelligent controls to operate irrigation pumps, lighting, refrigeration, sensors, communications and other agricultural equipment without depending entirely on the utility grid.
Optimised for Harsh Desert Climates
How much solar power does a farm need?
The required solar power depends entirely on the farm's load profile, specifically the wattage of irrigation pumps and cold storage, multiplied by their daily running hours. An accurate sizing requires calculating the total energy demand (kWh) and designing a solar array and battery bank that can support this load during both sunny and cloudy periods.
Why Farms Need Reliable Off-Grid Power
Many large agricultural operations are located far from established utility grids. To operate essential systems like deep-well water pumps and cold storage, farmers historically relied entirely on diesel generators.
Operating diesel generators 24/7 is not only ecologically unsustainable but financially devastating due to high fuel costs, expensive remote delivery, and constant mechanical maintenance. A properly sized off-grid solar and battery system eliminates the bulk of these expenses, providing autonomous, reliable power that protects crop yields and profit margins.
System Architecture
- Solar Generation Array
- Off-Grid / Hybrid Inverter
- Deep-Cycle Battery Storage
- Generator Auto-Start Integration
- Agricultural Loads (Pumps, Cold Storage)
System Components
High-Yield Solar Panels
Durable PV modules mounted on ground structures.
Primary power generation source for all daytime farm operations.
Solar Pump Inverters
Specialized inverters that drive water pumps directly from solar panels.
For daytime irrigation and filling water reservoirs.
Energy Storage (BESS)
Battery banks sized to carry critical loads through the night.
To run cold storage, security, and ventilation 24/7.
Ideal Applications
Irrigation & Pumping
Running deep-well submersible pumps to fill holding tanks during peak sunlight.
Cold Storage
Maintaining refrigeration units to preserve harvested crops before transport.
Livestock & Poultry
Powering essential ventilation, cooling fans, and automated feeders.
Farm Automation
Providing stable power for sensors, weather stations, and communications.
Deployment Process
1. Assess
Audit all farm equipment, focusing on pump ratings and cold storage loads.
2. Analyse
Determine the seasonal energy variations and required battery autonomy.
3. Design
Size the PV array, batteries, and design the generator hybridization logic.
4. Configure
Select the specific inverters and battery chemistries suited for the environment.
5. Procure and Deploy
Execute civil works for ground mounts and commission the electrical system.
6. Monitor and Optimise
Set up remote monitoring to track yield and optimize generator run-times.
Information We Need
- Farm type and total size
- Pump quantity and power (HP or kW)
- Daily irrigation hours
- Cold-storage and lighting load
- Existing generator size & current fuel use
- Available land area for solar panels
Frequently Asked
Request an Off-Grid Farm Energy Plan
Gletscher Energy will review your project requirements and recommend the next technical planning step.
- Engineering review of submitted details
- Initial feasibility assessment
- Direct consultation booking