Use of solar panel system in vermicompost (Worm manure) production facilities as source of energy

Abstract

Agro-chemicals significantly improve quality and crop yield in agriculture and plant production however excessive use of these agro-chemicals will cause severe environmental problems and health conditions in the following years. Furthermore, solid organic wastes and residues have become environmental concerns due to rapid development of industry and population growth. Therefore, vermicompost (worm manure) manure might have a key position among organic-based alternative products that might improve sustainable and organic agriculture models and replace chemical fertilizers as well as pesticides. Production and use of vermicompost (worm manure) might be an effective option for solving this problem. Electric energy is the most commonly used for production of vermicompost. The location of vermicompost production facility must be illuminated at all times. In dark places, the worms move on top of the organic substance and the worms dry and die there. Thus, the production facility must have electricity at all times. This energy might be supplied with solar panel systems. This method will make production of manures more cost-effective. In order for a four-unit vermicompost production facility with 15.9 m length to operate effectively, a solar panel such as 4 kWh, which is larger than the calculated 3.23 kWh, is needed. Sufficient amount of energy cannot be generated with the system due to reasons such as dirty panel glasses, adverse weather conditions such as cloudiness and rain, indirect sunrays in the morning and evening and losses. This is why an energy system greater than the energy demand must be preferred. Energy remaining from the system can be stored in batteries and used later. Furthermore, remaining energy might be used for covering other needs of the vermicompost facility and this will reduce energy costs of the facility. In Turkey, solar panels might be used in every region to supply sufficient electric power. Vermicompost facilities established for this purpose must be lighted at all times and this shows that use of solar panel system will be suitable for production. A material portion of electricity demand in the production facility can be supplied with green energy and fertilizer production will be more cost effective. © Bu calisma Tekirdag Namik Kemal Universitesi tarafindan Creative Commons Lisansi.