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Solar Powered Hydroponics

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Hydroponic gardening is fast becoming a popular alternative to the traditional home garden. Because these systems do not require soil and use much less water than a conventional garden, they are an ecologically friendly way to raise the freshest produce within a minimal amount of space. Modern technology can further reduce the environmental footprint of these gardens through the use of solar powered hydroponics.

The benefits of a hydroponic garden are being enjoyed by thousands of people throughout this country, as well as others. Growing produce though the use of hydroponics is usually much less expensive than conventional farming, and requires significantly less man power. In many cases the only requirement for a healthy hydroponic garden is to maintain the water and nutrient level in the reservoir.

With the exception of passive systems, which are generally only used for smaller operations, most hydro-gardens require a pump of some kind to circulate the water and nutrients. These pumps require electricity, which in most cases is supplied through a common wall outlet. However, solar powered hydroponics can help eliminate the need to “plug in”, making these gardens completely self-sustaining.

Solar power is a quickly developing industry. The solar panels that are available today are much more efficient than those of just twenty years ago. The technology has advanced to the point that even smaller solar panels can provide more than enough electricity to run the pumps necessary for a hydroponic garden. Because of these advances, many people are turning to solar powered hydroponics as eco-friendly way of gardening.

Solar powered hydroponics can be applied to nearly any active hydro-garden. It is important to know exactly how much current and voltage is required for your particular set up. A small operation will normally not need the power that a larger, multi-unit system will require. Therefore, knowing your system requirements is an important first step to making the conversion to solar power.

The average solar cell is capable of producing approximately 45 milliwatts of electricity per square inch. Depending on the power needs of your particular pump, you can calculate how many square inches, or feet, of solar panel will be required. In most cases, these panels end up being less than a few square feet.

Solar powered hydroponics are dependent on sunlight for power, and as such there is a need to store excess power for use on cloudy days. A common solution to this problem is to purchase a solar battery. Depending on the electricity requirements of your system, these can be as simple as a single storage battery, or can sometimes require several batteries that are linked together. Either way, a storage battery system is an essential part of an efficient solar power supply for your hydroponic garden.

Solar powered hydroponics are an excellent way to conserve energy and save money. In today’s economy, it is important to keep expenses to a minimum wherever possible. Growing your own food is generally much less expensive than having to purchase it from your local market; and because you grow it yourself, you can be sure that it’s free from additives and other chemicals. Wind energy is also on the rise. People are begining to think about our environment and ways in which they can help restore it. Having and implementing resources like solar power and home wind turbine equipment, we can make a difference. Not only for our environment, but or wallets as well.

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