Large-scale agricultural operations benefit from effective irrigation strategies. Installing solar to power pumps to deliver water is an economic strategy, as well as an environmental and sustainability decision.
Electricraft, Inc., installs and maintains solar systems for agricultural operations, a wide range of industrial needs, public agencies, as well as residential and commercial needs. The local, family-owned and operated company has been meeting the electrical service and solar installation needs of San Luis Obispo County since 1984.
The skilled and licensed electrical and solar technician team is experienced in all phases of solar installations, including complete electrical wiring, electrical systems, and solar installation strategies.
Effective solar irrigation strategies require assessment before the solar system is installed. Assessing key infrastructure beforehand assures the system delivers enough energy to operate high-demand irrigation.
Pre-installation assessments
A thorough needs assessment includes water needs and delivery, water sources, and pump capacity.
- Calculate the daily water volume for each crop or crop section. Include the method, such as drip irrigation.
- Identify the water sources, such as groundwater or a reservoir. If water is stored in tanks, be sure to calculate the refill rate.
- Calculate the distance from water sources to delivery points.
- How many primary well pumps are needed? How many auxiliary pumps?
Working with the San Luis Obispo solar installation team during the assessment ensures that all of the critical data is collected. The team uses the data to calculate the size of the solar system, panel placement, and the wiring plans.
Installing the solar system
Along with system sizing, panel placement, mountings, and panel orientation, Electricraft uses the data to determine the best solar system design to support an efficient irrigation system. Data such as how many pumps and pump wattage needs, the number of well pumps and auxiliary pumps, and the distance between pumps are critical for optimal operation.
Additional considerations include smart monitoring with alerts for pump malfunction, water line monitoring, and the ability to control sections of the irrigation system. Widely distributed crops, even at the same location, might benefit from auxiliary panels.
Based on the final assessment data, the San Luis Obispo solar installation team compiles a complete plan, including options and recommendations.
- The Electricraft team has experts for every phase of a solar installation project, including creating the design plans, working with the local building departments to make sure everything is designed to code, and getting the permits.
- During the project, the installation crew makes sure the installation follows the approved design. The Electricraft foreman is knowledgeable, able to solve problems on the spot, give the installation team solid guidance, and work with code inspectors.
- Before moving on to the next project, Electricraft makes sure your system is operating trouble-free to your satisfaction and that you know how to operate it. The support team makes sure you understand the maintenance schedule and all of the warranties that come with the new system and their work.
Electricraft is available 24-hours, and has an after-hours emergency number (805) 544-8224. Call Electricraft today to get your solar project started.
