Embedded Files
Solar Panels
Solar Panels
Solar panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel energy with a renewable power source for farm operations.
Water Tanks
Water Tanks
Rainwater tanks collect and store water, reducing reliance on municipal sources and conserving freshwater for agricultural use.
Issue: Energy sources such as fossil fuels will be depleted causing non renewable energy sources to be useless in the future.
Background
Background
Solar_Water_System_Diagram.pdfThe blueprint-style diagram shown above illustrates how this closed-loop system works — highlighting energy flow from the panels and water flow from collection to use. By integrating these two technologies, the SAP can enhance its sustainability through reduced emissions, conserved resources, and an educational model that can be replicated on other small-scale farms.
To support sustainable agriculture at the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP), our team is proposing a system that combines solar panels and rainwater harvesting tanks to create an energy-efficient, self-sufficient irrigation system. Globally and nationally, farms are increasingly turning to renewable energy and water conservation strategies to reduce environmental impact and increase resilience in the face of climate change. Locally at the SAP, this system would reduce dependence on municipal water and fossil-fueled equipment while supporting plant growth and soil health. The solar panels generate electricity to power a pump, which moves rainwater collected from rooftops into large storage tanks. That water is then filtered and used to irrigate crops through efficient drip irrigation. This idea as a whole is meant to be a closed-loop system, this stems from an article by the Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania. While the article does not explicitly talk about closed-loop systems they describe the principles of closed-loop agriculture. "The work of the Rodale Institute... is grounded in the principle that healing people and the planet begins with healthy soil." This reflects the feedback loop between soil health, food quality, and human health. These are all keys to a closed-loop agricultural model.
Global
Global
Globally issues of energy supply and the implementation of renewable energy have increased over time. As the amount of greenhouse gases increases in our world, changes are being made toward sustainability for many reasons. The overall commitment to practices that retain the health of the planet has not been fully realized but the increase in quality of life using things such as renewable resources and sustainability has been understood globally.
National
National
Nationally it has been recognized that non renewable energy will no longer be a main source of energy. This causes us to see more changes such as electric vehicles, wind and solar farms, and energy efficient appliances. Movement toward innovation has been spurred by goals of net zero emissions and the growing importance to care for the environment.
Local
Local
Locally cities such as Grand Rapids have been designated as a urban farm hub by the USDA. Although being in a more rural location has benefits and the SAP has a special opportunity to include new techniques to streamline their operations. The use of upgraded irrigation using solar power and rainwater collection tanks ensure that watering plants will be sustained. This will not only utilize solar but also create a system that can be used for further facilities on site such as a bathroom.
Implementations 🌱
Timeline
Timeline
This timeline outlines the step-by-step implementation over 18 months. It highlights five key phases like the initial research to final testing and education. It ensures a structured and sustainable approach to project completion.
Budget
Budget
Main project:
Solar-powered water tank and compatible irrigation (Panels, tank, irrigation system)
Panels $5,000 each
Water Tanks $6,000 each
Irrigation $2,500 per hoop house
Building/technology supplies
$2,000
Contracting fees
$2,000
Total for 3 greenhouses = $52,500
Side Project:
Composting toilet with sink
$1,500
Building supplies for small bathroom
$8,000-$10,000
Solar panel for light in bathroom
$2,000
Contracting fees
$5,000
Total for 1 bathroom = $18,500
Triple Bottom Line
Social
Social
Reliable Water Supply
A water supply that is gathered primarily rain collection and is powered via solar panels, ensures that farmers always have access to these resources. These methods could potentially be used for purposes other than farming to help communities gain better access to water
Increased Access for Small Farms
Small farms may have limited access to resources, but a renewable irrigation source provides a more affordable and sustainable way of farming. Although the initial cost of solar panels and their implementation may be high, these methods are a worthwhile investment
Better Nutrition
Sustainable farming methods help to create an increase in quality food product, allowing those in surrounding communities to have better access to more nutritious foods
Job Opportunities
Increase in jobs relating to solar panel management and irrigation
Community Learning
Communities can engage in learning more about renewable resources and their sustainability
Economics
Economics
Increased Crop Yield
With these farming methods, farmers can instead devote resources to growing better, high-quality crops
Reduced Operational Costs
After initial implementation, irrigation costs are very low due to sustainable renewable energy sources.
Lower Consumer Costs
Increased Demand for Agricultural Goods
Environment
Environment
Reduced Vulnerability to Drought
Rain water is collected and stored for future use, allowing for water access even in desperate times
Healthier Faming Methods
Increased access to water indicates that farmers may be able to use fewer pesticides and fertilizers to treat their crops
Combatting Climate Change?
Current climate shifts are leaning towards more extreme, unpredictable weather patterns, leaving farmers more susceptible to drought and other disasters. Collecting rainwater and having an energy-efficient method of irrigation can help to combat the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions and prioritizing renewable energy resources
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