Fuel, oil and electricity are widely known to be the third biggest input cost for farming enterprises.
Farmers are quickly realising the fastest way to affect their bottom line is by becoming more sustainable through quality solar solutions.
In particular, audits have found that energy used in irrigation can account for upwards of 50 percent of the total farm energy bill.
For more than 17 years, Solar Pumping Solutions (SPS), a Mudgee based, family owned company has been delivering solar solutions to businesses and home owners in their region and beyond.
“SPS are experts in the industry and recently completed a custom designed solar solution for the Gill family, and their mixed farming, grazing and irrigation business at Narromine, NSW,” a company spokesman said.
“The world first project encompassed the development and installation of a 100kW, large-scale solar array coupled to an automated remote management system for both PV and diesel backup with a 55kw submersible pump.
“The project is the first developments of its type in the industry and now with three years of seamless operation under its belt, it has saved more than 65 percent diesel costs for this operation and covered its own cost of installation.
“The 100kw ground-mount system is designed to pump 190m³ water per hour at a 57-meter head and has not only secured significant reduction in fuel, but also in maintenance costs, lower carbon emissions and increased productivity gains.
“Solar is ideally suited to agricultural projects, both on and off the grid, and can be used as a hedge against diesel and electricity price increases and at the same time.
“Solar mitigates the risk of energy supply disruptions and power quality issues.
“Solar is also a potential source of revenue allowing the user to generate an income from excess power being placed on the grid.
“Feed in tariffs are currently in the vicinity of 10 - 20 c/kWh; power displaced by the PV system can result in savings of 20 – 30c/kWh during peak hours.
“We can assist farmers with pumps for creeks, rivers and bores, grid connect solar systems and complex solar diesel hybrid blend solar pumping solutions.”.
- Visit: www.solarpumping.com.au.