All over the world, countries are embracing the use of renewable energy technologies to transform their agricultural processes, in a bid to achieve food security and sustainability. One of the major clean energy sources available to us is solar energy.
Solar energy involves the conversion of the heat coming from the sun, into thermal or electrical energy. It is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available.
Nigeria has a large solar energy potential, which is currently underutilized. When fully harnessed, it offers new opportunities for growth and improvement of our agricultural production processes.
Fig1. Solar Irradiation in Nigeria
Solar for Agriculture
In Nigeria, large quantities of fruits and vegetables go to waste daily. This is as a result og of inadequate infrastructure, deficient processing and poor storage facilities. Solar thermal technology ensures that agricultural products last longer during storage. Solar thermal systems are used to dry agricultural produce and efficient cool highly perishable crops. This helps to prevent them from spoiling before or during transportation to markets.
More so, farmers can use solar thermal systems to generate hot water for cleaning farm animal housing. It also helps in keeping livestock and poultry animals warm at night or during cold weather.
Solar Photovoltaic systems convert radiation from the sun into electricity, which can be applied for a wide range of agricultural processes. The use of Solar PVs can aid irrigation, refrigeration of agricultural products and aeration for aquacultures. Farmers can make use of this clean technology to power machinery, and even provide lighting for poultry animals.
The use of Solar-based water pumping can also help in regions with water scarcity. This clean initiative is suitable for utilization in rural areas. The electricity solar technologies generate can be stored in batteries, to provide sustainable power even when the sun is not shinning.
Renewable energy technologies offer new opportunities for growth and transformation in the agricultural sector -by contributing to improving the population’s income and food supply situation.
What to Note
Solar energy can help cut down on farms’ electricity and heating bills, as it provides cost saving alternatives. It also help reduce their over dependence on fossil fuels, giving farmers room to invest profitably and grow their business.
At Energymall Nigeria, we provide state of the art RE technologies designed to meet the energy needs of businesses from all sectors. Our Solar power solutions help you worry less about high electricity bills and consistent power interruptions, allowing you save funds for future investments.
With recent projects at Reddington hospital complex, Ikeja, electricity correction for hospitals in Victoria Island and energy audits for offices in V/I, Lekki, we are constantly seeking to expand our reach and achieve our goal of being the go-to company for all things clean energy.
For inquires Email us: projects@energymall.ng
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