More and more entrepreneurs are opting for solar panels, also in the agricultural sector. A smart investment, because prices have fallen in recent years and returns have increased. However, it is advisable to call in a specialist.
However profitable, investing in solar panels must in no way disrupt the production process or jeopardize (company) safety. A specialist in solar panel installations at agricultural entrepreneurs knows what requirements he has to deal with.
Specialist knowledge
In addition to livestock farmers and arable farmers, fruit growers are also choosing to install solar panels more often. The sheds for storage and cooling often have a large roof surface that is very suitable for installing solar panels. If the installation is carried out by professionals with specialist knowledge, malfunctions in the ventilation systems are prevented at all times. This means that the fruit grower's production process never has to be shut down.
Also read: 'The Oostveen family's fruit farm has 1.030 solar panels'.
Specific requirements livestock farming
Specific requirements regarding the installation of solar panels also apply to dairy, poultry, pig, sheep or goat farmers. This not only has to do with the production process, but also with animal welfare. That is why solar panels must always be installed correctly. For example, dairy farmers must not have a magnetic field under the roof of the barn, because cows are extremely sensitive to this. For livestock farmers, the ventilation systems and equipment must never fail: a reason to engage installers who know exactly what they are doing.
Also read: 'The Rijkers family invested in 2.277 solar panels on their poultry and pig farm in Vessem'.
Professional installers are also aware of the strict hygiene requirements that apply to food production companies. They take this into account, partly to prevent animal diseases.
Prevent fire
In addition to malfunctions and various diseases, (stable) fires can also be prevented: for example by opting for electric arc detection. Sparks can occur if the loose cables or wires make contact, for example by vermin. In an installation including arc flash detection, the solar panels are switched off immediately. And when the inverter is switched off or the mains is interrupted (for example during maintenance on the panels), the cables are automatically switched to a lower voltage. This makes the system even more secure.
Read more about fire safety of professional installations
Remote monitoring
The specialists not only ensure that the installation runs smoothly and safely, but also deliver quality afterwards. They monitor their installations remotely. The agricultural entrepreneur also gains insight into the individual panels and how much power they generate (often in an app). Should a malfunction occur, the correct panel can be repaired, maintained or cleaned as quickly as possible. In this way, every entrepreneur gets the maximum return from his investment.
Read more about monitoring via the SolarEdge Monitoring app
Want to know more?
Via the website of Energy Shift you can read more information about solar panel installations at farmers and what the specialists can do for you. You can also free SDE+ subsidy or without obligation a Request quotation.