Implementation of Solar Cells as an Alternative Energy Source for Automatic Water Tank Filling in Hydroponic System

Abstract

Agricultural sector requires electrical energy in the on a not-too-wide area called the hydroponic planting system. Hydroponic systems utilize the flow of water and the provision of nutrients. However, sometimes the use of conventional energy does off so that the supply of water and nutrients also stops which results in a decrease in plant quality. Hydroponics is a growing medium that uses water as a growth medium instead of soil, therefore a proper irrigation and nutrition system is needed so that plants can develop normally. One of them is the Nutrient Film Technique, the plant roots grow in a shallow circulating nutrient layer so the plants can get enough water, nutrients and oxygen. The NFT system uses a tank as a place to mix nutrients and water, and the water will flow continuously to the plants with the help of a pump. This system integrates several sensors, namely water flow sensors and float level switch sensors. This system results in the filling of water tanks in hydroponic plants that work automatically.