Hello everyone! I’m Shohei.
Plant Factory is a next-generation agricultural system that enables stable production.
However, with the current state of dependence on fossil fuels for much of that electricity, environmental burdens and rising energy costs have become issues.
Therefore, solar power generation is currently attracting attention.
By introducing solar power generation, you can not only solve the cost and environmental problems faced by plant factories, but also improve your corporate image and realize sustainable agricultural management.
In this article, we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of introducing solar power generation into plant factories, specific introduction examples, how to use it in artificial light type plant factories, and even points to note when introducing it.
What exactly is a plant factory? If so, please refer to the following articles.
Why is the use of solar power generation in plant factories attracting attention?
There are three main reasons why solar power generation is attracting attention at plant factories:
- Cost reduction effect:
- Reducing the burden of electricity bills: By directly using electricity generated by solar power, you can reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the power company and reduce your electricity bills.
- Selling surplus electricity: Depending on the contract with the power company, it is possible to sell the unused portion of the generated electricity and earn revenue.
- Reducing environmental impact:
- Reducing CO2 emissions: By reducing electricity consumption derived from fossil fuels, you can reduce CO2 emissions in plant factories and reduce environmental impact.
- Improving the image of environmental conservation: In order to realize a sustainable society, environmentally friendly initiatives will lead to an improvement in the company’s image, and can also be expected to have the effect of increasing evaluations from consumers and business partners.
- BCP measures:
- Securing power during disasters: Even in situations where the power supply is unstable, such as in the event of a large-scale disaster, a solar power generation system may be able to keep the plant factory operating due to its autonomous operation function.
- Ensuring business continuity: A stable power supply is essential for the stable operation of a plant factory. By introducing a solar power generation system, you can reduce power supply risks and strengthen business continuity.
Advantages and disadvantages of introducing solar power generation
The advantages of introducing solar power generation into your plant factory are as mentioned above, but you should also understand the disadvantages before introducing it.
merit
- Cost reduction by reducing utility costs (especially effective in plant factories that consume a lot of electricity)
- Increased profits by selling surplus electricity
- Improving corporate image by reducing environmental impact (also effective as an initiative for SDGs)
- BCP measures in the event of a disaster (use as an emergency power source)
Demerit
- High implementation cost (initial costs can be reduced by utilizing the subsidy system)
- Dependency of power generation on weather (Introduction of storage batteries enables stable supply, but increases costs)
- Securing installation space (Depending on the scale and location of the plant factory, it may not be possible to secure sufficient power generation)
- Maintenance effort and cost (regular inspection and cleaning is required, which incurs the cost of outsourcing to a contractor)
Is it effective to use solar power even in artificial light type plant factories?
Solar power generation is effective even in artificial light plant factories that do not use sunlight.
- Reducing electricity costs: Artificial light plant factories use artificial light sources such as LEDs, which consumes a lot of electricity. By introducing solar power generation, you can reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the power company and significantly reduce running costs.
- Reducing environmental impact: The use of solar power generation, a renewable energy source, leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions and contributes to reducing environmental impact. It is also effective for improving corporate image and working towards SDGs.
- Reducing the risk of power supply shortages from power companies: Even in situations where the power supply from power companies is unstable, with a solar power generation system, you may be able to keep your plant factory running with in-house power generation. This is especially important from the perspective of business continuity, especially in artificial light plant factories that consume a lot of electricity.
Key points for introducing solar power generation in artificial light type plant factories
- Size design of power generation system: Since artificial light type plant factories consume a large amount of electricity, it is necessary to install a solar power generation system large enough to secure sufficient power generation. Consult with a specialist to design the optimal system.
- Combination with a storage battery system: By storing the electricity generated during the day in a storage battery, a stable power supply is possible even at night or on days when the weather is bad. The capacity and performance of the storage battery are also important points to consider.
- Simulation of cost-effectiveness: It is important to simulate the cost-effectiveness from a long-term perspective, taking into account the installation costs, running costs, subsidy system, etc. of solar power generation systems and battery storage systems.
Examples of solar power generation implementation
We will introduce examples of businesses that have actually introduced solar power generation, categorized by management type.
1. Company A (Tochigi Prefecture): Facilities horticulture that produces lilies
- Challenge: Strengthening efforts to reduce environmental impact
- Purpose of introduction: Switching to electricity with low environmental impact in order to obtain MPS-ABC certification
- Equipment overview: 10kW solar power generation equipment
- Power usage: Greenhouse lighting, electric bulb final transplanting machine
- Project effect: Obtained MPS-ABC’s highest certification A, contributing to peak cuts in electricity usage
- problem and solutions:
- Challenge: Need to respond to seasonal fluctuations in electricity demand
- Countermeasure: Consider introducing storage batteries (however, cost is an issue)
2. City B (Toyama Prefecture): Plant factory that produces perilla
- Challenges: Creating jobs in hilly and mountainous areas and improving the health of the elderly
- Purpose of introduction: Low carbonization as part of the environmental future city concept
- Equipment overview: 20kW solar power generation equipment, hot spring heat (50kW x 2)
- Power usage: Plant factory power
- Project effects: Creation of local employment, use as a place for environmental education
- problem and solutions:
- Issue: The amount of power generated is small compared to the power demand of the plant factory.
- Countermeasure: Increase solar power generation equipment (however, cost is an issue)
- Company C (Fukui Prefecture): Agricultural production corporation that produces sweet potatoes, etc.
- Challenge: Realizing sustainable agricultural management that does not rely on fossil resources
- Purpose of introduction: Utilizing solar power generation for part of the electricity for the sweet potato storage facility
- Equipment overview: Approximately 20kW solar power generation equipment
- Power usage: lighting, heating and cooling of storage facilities, keeping frozen processed products cold
- Business effects: Reduced utility costs, improved corporate image
- problem and solutions:
- Issue: Lack of functionality as an emergency power source
- Countermeasure: Consider introducing storage batteries (however, cost is an issue)
Source: Takashi Nozu, “Analysis on the private use of solar power generation in the agricultural field,” Rural Planning Society Transactions, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022, pp. 33-43.
Key points for successful introduction of solar power generation to plant factories
- Clarification of introduction purpose:
- It is important to clarify the purpose of installing solar power generation.
- Let’s clarify the purpose of introduction according to the company’s issues and goals, such as cost reduction, environmental impact reduction, and improvement of corporate image.
- Thorough preliminary investigation and simulation:
- It is necessary to investigate in advance the power usage status of the plant factory, the sunlight conditions of the installation location, the equipment that can be installed, the subsidy system, etc., and consider the optimal system.
- Thoroughly consider cost-effectiveness by conducting a field survey by a specialist and simulating power generation and costs.
- Reliable construction contractor selection:
- When installing a solar power generation system, it is important to select a reliable construction company with an eye on long-term operation.
- Get quotes from multiple companies and compare their track record and after-sales service systems.
- Utilization of subsidy system:
- National and local governments may have subsidy systems in place to support the introduction of solar power generation systems.
- Please check the details of the system and how to apply in advance, and make full use of it.
Summary: The future of utilizing solar power in plant factories
Introducing solar power generation in plant factories brings many benefits, including cost reduction, reduced environmental impact, and improved corporate image.
Although there are things to consider, such as initial costs and operation after implementation, it is also true that the benefits are significant from a long-term perspective.
Use this article as a reference to introduce solar power generation and realize sustainable agriculture.
- What kind of factory is a solar powered plant factory?
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A solar powered plant factory is a factory that grows plants using sunlight as its main light source. Many of them are house-shaped, and are designed to take in as much sunlight as possible.
- What is a solar powered plant factory?
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A solar-powered plant factory is a factory that uses artificial light sources such as LEDs in addition to sunlight to grow plants. It is characterized by the ability to create a stable cultivation environment regardless of weather or time of day.
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