Electric power, until now, has been essential for agricultural and livestock activity in many countries. It is the main resource to start all production processes.
The field industry depends entirely on different tools and machinery that facilitate heavy work, help to improve production more and more and increase efficiency.
It can be thought that most of these machines are motorized, such as tractors or harvesters, but electrical energy is still essential to carry out other tasks, such as irrigation, heating or cooling products (milk in a dairy or cereals in the silos), the operation of facilities, etc.
For this reason, we see more and more producers investing in alternative and renewable energies, especially photovoltaics. Solar panels became a key element in guaranteeing both the proper functioning of the processes in those remote places where the electrical system is weak, as well as saving resources.
For now, they have become a backup for producers when there are failures in the electrical system. But the statistics show that more and more we are going to see entire fields generating their own energy through solar panels.
In other words, we are evidencing the transition of the countryside towards greater autonomy and sustainability.
Argentina leads the investment in solar panels for the field
The development of solar panels has grown remarkably in recent years. Renewable energy has become a great solution for hundreds of producers, as well as a possibility to carry out more sustainable practices.
In fact, Argentina is the Latin American country that leads the investment in photovoltaic energy. Although this type of system implies a large investment, producers see long-term benefits, especially in economic performance and environmental impact, which is why they decide to bet on them.
What are these benefits?
One of them is the reinvestment of money spent on Diesel for the generators. With solar panels, that money can be invested in crops, livestock or machinery.
Another is the reduction of pollution that these activities imply. Through photovoltaics, farmers and ranchers can develop sustainable practices in the field and encourage a complete transformation of the sector.
Finally, we must not forget the reduction of noise pollution either. Solar panels generate much less noise than generators, allowing for longer hours of use and installation in any area.
Solar panels in the field replace windmills
Given that since 2019 solar panels have been registering a significant decrease in cost, we see them more and more in different sectors of society. As we have been seeing, the agricultural and livestock sector is one of them.
Solar pumps are one of these many uses and, since solar panels generate direct and alternating current electricity, such as the one needed by the pumps, they began to replace the famous windmills.
Also, solar panels are more advantageous than windmills for two reasons:
They have a lower cost
They do not need maintenance.
What kind of solar panels are best for the field?
Currently, technological development has allowed the solar energy market to produce different variables that are better adapted to the needs of each sector. There are thermosolar, hybrid, transparent, flexible panels, etc. and of various materials, such as silicon or perovskite.
For the field, photovoltaic panels are the best. These are the most common, that is, those that absorb solar radiation and transform it into energy, storing it in batteries.
The technology of these panels allows them to be installed anywhere, be it on the roof of a building, on the ground or even in the water.
It is not by chance, then, all these changes that are taking place in the countryside. Little by little, agricultural producers such as ranchers begin to see the great benefits of photovoltaics, betting on investing in solar panels.
