The global food crisis has been fuelling consistently over the past decade, affecting millions around the globe. Climate change, conflict and COVID-19 have fuelled this crisis further. In these times, aquaculture’s importance and solar battery storage have been even more highlighted.
Aquaculture is the practice of farming seafood through artificial cultivation. People rely on water to breed and harvest aquatic plants and animals instead of land resources. These plants and animals are then prepared for human consumption.
Aquaculture emerges as the fastest-growing food supply sector in the world and an important pillar of the FAO Blue Transformation Strategy.[1] But aquaculture that runs on traditional forms of power may not be eco-friendly and cost-effective, and this is where solar battery storage steps in!
Advantages of Solar Battery Storage for Aquaculture
Solar power is a renewable energy that utilizes the sun’s energy to produce electricity. It is also a green, emission-free energy source, making it an eco-friendly power solution. Here are some ways solar battery storage will help meet people’s aquaculture energy demands.
1. Reduce Electricity Costs
Aquaculture usually needs an enormous proportion of fuel to keep up with the vast scale, which can be a huge production cost. Solar battery storage is capable of storing solar power for long-term use. It can help you avoid the need for traditional power sources. Even on cloudy days or nights, you can use the electricity stored in solar battery storage to maintain your aquaculture system.
This way, farmers can cut back on their cumulative electricity costs. With solar battery storage, you can power appliances needed in your aquaculture, such as the oxygenation system and lighting system.
2. Ensure Uninterrupted Power Supply
One of the major considerations of an aquaculture system is that it demands an uninterrupted power supply. A sudden drop in power can lead to several problems: automatic feeding machines are disrupted, oxygen levels in the water begin to drop, and water quality optimization no longer remains effective.
In the event of a power failure, having solar-powered energy storage can be a lifesaver. With the help of a solar power storage system, you can ensure your aquaculture receives an uninterrupted power supply.
3. Reduce Carbon Footprint
The measure of greenhouse gasses, namely carbon dioxide, produced as a result of marine fisheries and aquaculture is its carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of aquaculture varies according to the species you are harvesting, and ordinary fishes usually lie in the range of 1-3 kg CO2/kg of meat.[2]
Fortunately, this emission can effectively be reduced thanks to solar power. Solar power, as mentioned earlier, is an emission-free power source. This means it does not release any harmful carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses. Thus, you can reduce your carbon footprint of electricity usage.
4. Provide the Most Suitable Off-Grid Solution
Aquaculture demands a suitable power source, particularly in remote locations such as the ocean or remote ponds. However, if the site is far from the grid, setting up the necessary power lines can be both time-exhaustive and cost-intensive.
This is where a portable power bank setup may be the most suitable choice. Not only is it cost-effective, but it can also be used in remote locations, out in the ocean or remotely on land without complex installation.
Setting up Aquaculture with Solar Battery Storage
Aquaculture demands a lot of energy to run the facilities and cooling systems. With solar battery storage, farms will have a consistent power supply to keep them up and running. Here is a list of the general equipment needed to run aquaculture and how solar battery storage can assist.
1. Oxygenation System
The oxygenation system can greatly increase the dissolved oxygen in the water, improving fish and shrimp’s activity and feeding efficiency and indirectly shortening the maturation period. The breeding density can be increased. Typically, aeration and oxygenation systems assist in this regard.
Aeration systems help distribute diffused air to the bottom of the system, whereas oxygenation will distribute diffused oxygen into the system. This way, oxygen is consistently supplied to the fish to improve fish health, stimulate feeding and promote growth. Thus, you can connect the oxygenation systems to your solar battery storage to maintain its interrupted operation.
2. Water Pump
Water pumps are essential sections of aquaculture systems. Farmers will not be able to move water to and from the aquaculture system, run water filtration systems or promote water circulation without an efficient water pump. Pump reliability is crucial for aquaculture. If you run out of power to operate these water pumps, it will stop the entire process.
These water pumps can be connected to solar panel systems, ensuring they always have a steady power supply when needed.
3. Lighting System
Aquaculture lighting systems are also crucial for optimizing fish growth and welfare. In recent years, more and more aquaculture systems are actively utilizing artificial light sources such as LEDs. This is because an appropriate lighting environment plays an important role in promoting the growth and development of aquatic animals, while an unfavourable lighting environment can cause growth retardation, deformity, and even death of cultured animals.
LED systems allow the user to control the light intensity, wavelength and photoperiod, making them much more effective. But powering these LED lighting systems is the real catch. Aquaculture farmers can now connect this system to the solar battery to ensure the LED lighting system is always up and running.
4. Hot Water System
Water temperature is also a critical factor that can influence fish growth. Typically, fish grow better in warm waters. Therefore, a hot water system is incorporated into the aquaculture to ensure that warm water is available. In winters, the water is usually warmed up, whereas in summers, the water is cooled, all to promote the breeding survival rate.
The hot water system can also be connected to a solar battery, so it has a supply of consistent power on hand when needed.
In short, solar energy can do everything for aquaculture that traditional electricity does and is more consistent and cost-effective.
Choosing a Suitable Solar Battery Storage
Now that you know precisely what parts go into aquaculture and where you will need solar battery storage set up, here is a quick guide to help choose a suitable solar battery storage system:
1. Energy Demand Assessment
The first thing to consider is the amount of energy you will need to supply your aquaculture. This includes an assessment of the scale, location, energy demand and available budget. Large aquaculture will demand more power and, therefore, will demand larger solar battery capacity.
As for location, if the aquaculture is entirely remote and off-grid, you will be fully dependent on your solar power. Moreover, your energy needs also determine the size of solar battery storage, which generally corresponds to your energy budget.
2. Selection of Solar Battery Storage Equipment
Once you decide on your energy needs, assess the type of solar battery storage equipment you will need. You should look for an appropriate battery capacity and a long service life, and of course, the system should be compatible with your aquaculture equipment.
3. Installation and Placement of Solar Battery Storage Equipment
Finally, consider the installation and placement of solar battery storage equipment. You will want to ensure you are making the most out of your solar battery, so place it in a strategically sound location.
Typically, you will want to place the solar panel battery storage out in an open location with access to plenty of direct sunlight. At the same time, you need to keep it well insulated from factors such as heat, moisture and dust that can hamper its energy efficiency.
Jackery Solar Generators as Energy Support for Aquaculture
Finding a fitting solar battery storage system for your aquaculture can be quite a hassle. This is why we recommend looking for an expert choice before you dive in. We recommend Jackery’s line of solar generators as energy support for aquaculture due to their excellent characteristics and performance. Here is a quick overview of our top picks that you should take a look into:
1. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is recommended for larger-capacity aquacultures that demand more power. This solar generator comes with a whopping 2,160 Wh capacity while delivering an output of 2200W. This makes it suitable for running all your necessary heating systems, aeration and oxygenation systems, LED lights and water pumps.
This solar generator can be connected with 6 Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels to recharge the generator fully in just 2.5 hours. Plus, if there is no sign of the sun, you can simply switch to charging via an AC wall outlet in 2 hours or a car adapter in 24 Hours. Moreover, the solar generator comes with a 10-year battery life and a 5-year warranty period.
In aquaculture, electricity safety is very important. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro uses a lithium battery with two dual battery protection chips and four temperature-core detectors. Meanwhile, the heat dissipation and high-temperature protection functions of its Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station make it more durable. The Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels also have an IP67 waterproof rating, allowing them to withstand harsh and humid weather conditions.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro is an equally strong contender. This solar generator delivers 1512Wh of battery capacity and an output of 1800W. Its Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station weighs around 37.4 lbs, making it a much more lightweight model and easy to transport to remote locations. Like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro, this portable power bank can power up almost all sections of aquaculture.
Moreover, the solar generator comes with quick charging capabilities. It can be connected with 6 Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels for a full recharge in just 2 hours and can take 2 hours with an AC adapter. This model also comes with a practical 5-year warranty and an expected battery life of at least 10 years!
To protect the safety of aquaculture personnel and equipment, the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro has intelligent BMS and 8 state-of-the-art temperature sensors, enabling accurate and safe temperature control. At the same time, the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro Portable Power Station also has a durable design with its shell made of top 94V-0 fireproof material and meets UL requirements, ensuring strength and reliability.
Jackery’s 11th Anniversary Sales
Purchasing battery storage for solar panels to incorporate into your aquaculture can be a huge step. To reduce your budget pressure, we recommend you hang tight for the Jackery anniversary sale!
Jackery will celebrate its 11th anniversary. The company has decided to share a limited-time anniversary sale from 18 October to 5 November. Eleven products will receive a chance to give away Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Power Bank as gifts. If you leave emails on their website, you can get a chance to win a Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station priced up to £1999!
Of course, the Jackery anniversary sale also contributes to a good cause! Jackery will donate £2 per order to the charity organization Eden Reforestation Projects. Every customer can participate in public welfare and contribute their own strength.
Conclusion
Aquaculture is an important source of agricultural food. It needs a reliable power supply to operate. If you are looking for energy solutions, look at Jackery. It is one of the leading suppliers of global green energy solutions.
Founded in California in 2012, Jackery quickly rose to become one of the most trusted choices for individuals far and wide. The company aims to help ensure people have a steady supply of green energy regardless of where they go. There are also different generator models to choose from on their website. Contact them for all your solar battery storage UK needs!
References
[1] Value and importance of aquaculture. Available at: https://www.seafish.org/insight-and-research/aquaculture-data-and-insight/value-and-importance-of-aquaculture/ (Accessed: 17 October 2023)
[2] Assessing the carbon footprint of aquaculture. Available at: https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/assessing-carbon-footprint-of-aquaculture/ (Accessed: 17 October 2023)