Equipped with solar panels that power various farming equipment, automation company Iritron’s off-grid solar trailers are especially useful for small-scale farmers who do not have access to grid power at all times.

“Solar trailers are a game changer for small farmers. They provide a reliable source of power that farmers can use to irrigate their crops, run their borehole pumps and power other equipment such as incubators,” says Iritron divisional manager Gerhard Greeff.

One of the most significant advantages of the solar trailers is that they are environment friendly. The solar panels on the trailers generate clean energy – which is particularly important for “farmers who want to reduce their impact on the environment”.

The trailers are also cost effective in the long run. While the initial investment cost may be higher than traditional diesel-powered generators, the trailers “pay for themselves”.

“Once you’ve made the investment in a solar trailer, you have a source of free energy for the life of the equipment,” says Iritron senior business development manager Neels van der Walt, who adds that users “won’t have to worry about the cost of fuel or maintenance, as the trailer will last for many years”.

Greeff and Van der Walt say the trailers are designed to be mobile, so farmers can move them around as required.

The trailers have been used in various locations around the country, including the Northern Cape and Limpopo.

Greeff adds that the trailers are equipped with a battery storage system that allows for power to be stored and used even when there is no sunlight available.

The solar trailers can be customised to suit specific requirements, and can be equipped with various types of equipment, including irrigation systems and water pumps.

The company also offers training and support to ensure effective and safe use.

Further, the solar trailers can be used for disaster relief, outdoor events and as backup power for homes and businesses.

“Solar trailers are a revolutionary new technology that is changing agriculture in South Africa, and with increasing demand for sustainable farming practices, it’s no surprise that they are becoming popular,” states Greeff.

Iritron has also worked with a customer to establish a sustainable process for macadamia production, and its subsequent waste.

The process involves using a gasifier to burn macadamia husks and generate gas, which, in turn, powers a generator to produce electricity. This has helped to reduce reliance on vehicles and fuel costs, while minimising waste that is usually sent to a dump site, explains Greeff.

Van der Walt adds that gasifiers can be used with a variety of biomass fuels, including agricultural waste, such as bagasse.

“By using our gasifiers and solar trailers, farmers can generate electricity and reduce their dependence on the local electricity grid and fossil fuels,” they conclude.