Photovoltaic-Powered Controlled Farming Technology for Off-Grid Regions

Researchers from the Netaji Subhas University of Technology in India have introduced an innovative system for cultivating crops in remote off-grid locations. This pioneering approach integrates photovoltaic (PV) technology to power a protected environment-controlled farming technology (PECFT), tailored for areas lacking access to the conventional power grid. The system encompasses a PV panel, add-on module hardware (AOMH), a battery, step-down DC-DC converters, system power components, automation, and sensor elements. It also features components for climate control, including a water pump, CO2 assimilation ventilation fan, sprinkler foggers, and drop irrigation solenoids.
This groundbreaking solution, designed with a focus on aiding low-income farmers, seeks to optimize land use by enabling triple functionality: augmented food production, PV energy generation, and resource-efficient management of agricultural activities with limited water availability. The approach emphasizes microclimate control, considering variables like temperature, humidity, photosynthesis, CO2 levels, moisture content, ventilation, irrigation, and fertigation.
The system prototype, measuring 2,400 mm × 1,700 mm × 2,365 mm, accommodates 24–28 plants within a total volume of 5.57 m3. It features an AOMH housing, solar panel, battery, step-down DC-DC converters, system power elements, automation, and sensor technology. The PV panel incorporates a glass sheet acting as a refractor and reflector to support temperature regulation and energy generation while minimizing heat accumulation.
Dynamic energy equilibrium is achieved through an energy equilibrium state monitoring index (E2SMI)-based model, which optimally triggers load actions based on crop requirements, thereby countering external weather variations. This contributes to efficient internal climate control, amplifying the return on investment (ROI) through energy savings.
Validation was carried out over a complete tomato crop cycle, comparing results with conventional open-field farming. Notably, the system's leaf area index (LAI) was observed to be 1.44 to 1.58 times higher than in open fields, resulting in a 9.24% increase in ROI. Integrating maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with the AOMH module yielded an average additional energy gain of 10.32%.
Concluding their study, the researchers envision potential improvements in ROI for larger-scale implementations. Acknowledging the presented work's initial reference parameters, they emphasize the need for ongoing refinement based on crop yield and practical experience.