Off-the-Shelf Small Scale Photovoltaic Systems for Puerto Rico Sustainable Farms: Assisting Those Who Help Others

Puerto Rican small-scale sustainable farms struggle to provide wholesome food, preserve traditional methods and seeds, pass lessons on to the next generations, and are an oasis of shelter, food, water, and electric power in times of crisis. Since these efforts are certainly not fueled by greed or profiteering, appropriate technology must be cost-effective, long-lasting, on-site repairable, ecologically compatible with the environment, and in some cases, have long-term technological support. Small grids must be carefully sized to provide daily electrical usage during daylight hours, such as water pumping, water purification, and refrigeration, while not necessarily large enough to charge batteries for routine overnight and multiday usage. Since batteries have finite lifetimes that are discharge cycle dependent, costs can easily exceed $0.20/Watt; therefore, daylight use of solar power should be prioritized. However, battery and water storage must be large enough to cover prolonged sunless days. Agricultural water pumping is an ideal primary application of photovoltaic power as energy is converted to stored water at a minimal cost. Working together Non-Government Organizations, an Academic Research Team, and a Sustainable Farm have developed low-cost off-the-shelf engineering and enduring support structures that provide low-cost assistance that adapts to changing needs.