BIOENERGY MAY represent a viable way to generate much of the energy needed to run your growing operation — maybe even your entire household — as the technology gets more widely utilized in coming years .”
trends & technology
BIOENERGY MAY represent a viable way to generate much of the energy needed to run your growing operation — maybe even your entire household — as the technology gets more widely utilized in coming years .”
There are many downsides to geothermal . Even though the temperature underground is fairly consistent throughout the country , accessibility is not reliable . Even if you do live in an area where the Earth ’ s underground warmth can be used , you will be unable to take advantage of this technology if you do not own the building or have the rights to dig beneath it . However , if it is an option for you , you should consider tapping into this geothermal energy . It has a relatively quick payback period ; in fact , you should immediately see the cost of heating or cooling your hydroponic space reduce .
BIOENERGY
Making your own biofuels to either power some aspect of your operation or to heat the space you are growing in is probably the least likely of all the alternative energies listed here . It is worth exploring , however , as most people create enough organic waste to power such a system . Grass clippings , food scraps , animal manures , and other organic wastes can be put into a digester to create biogas , which is a renewable alternative to natural gas .
While not practical for most people at the moment , bioenergy may represent a viable way to generate much of the energy needed to run your growing operation — maybe even your entire household — as the technology gets more widely utilized in coming years .
RAIN HARVESTING
Though not truly an alternative energy , collecting rain water belongs in a discussion about using alternatives for a hydroponic system . Like the wind turbine , rain harvesting systems can be made from a wide variety of materials : five-gallon buckets , food-grade containers , or any collection tank that can hold water . Multiple small containers can be linked in series so that as one fills , the overflow goes into the next . Most plants thrive better in rain water than city , or even well , water . A hydroponic system can be supplemented , or filled entirely , with rain water . As with any water source , careful scrutinizing of the pH and EC levels are called for . It is also important to maintain periodic agitation to prevent the development of algae or promote the breeding of insects .
CONSIDERATIONS
Regardless of which type of alternative energy you may consider to power some , or all , of your hydroponic system , there are some things to be aware of . Permissions range widely from municipality to municipality and you will need to know what your area ’ s zoning laws allow for , what requires a permit , and what is forbidden under any circumstances . If you are considering installing a wind turbine , there are likely building codes to follow ; the same goes for the installation of solar panels and collectors . However , many small-scale ventures into alternative energy can be done without affecting your neighbor ’ s view or without constructing large structures . If you intend to harness the power of any stream , creek , river , or public body of water , you will need to obtain the appropriate permissions and may need to invest in equipment or components that measure your water usage and prevent backflow into the streams .
If any of these strategies sound appealing , but you lack the requisite building or engineering skills , there are more and more professional companies springing up that specialize in alternative energy installations for almost any application . Some of these strategies may even offer tax incentives . Check with your tax professional before claiming any alternative energy credit first , however , as many such programs are specific around how to qualify .
88 grow cycle