Multi-state agricultural grower CSS Farm is using the POWR2 POWRBANK portable energy storage system from Milton CAT at its potato farm in Bliss, NY for powering its irrigation system.
At the expansive farm, the irrigation system is set far from the road and needs and off-grid, portable power source to water crops three out of four months every year. The potato farm in Bliss, NY, is one of the biggest chip suppliers in the country.
A team member had to go onsite to the main shop building and take a towable diesel generator to the field before sunrise to power the irrigation system, according to the release. This team member had to stay in the field for 5 to 6 hours while the field was irrigated and then take the generator back to the shop.
Every summer, Milton CAT has worked with CSS Farms to ensure this reliable power solution for its irrigation system. In summer 2021, the firm suggested a sustainable energy storage solution from POWR2 for the purpose.
POWR2 POWRBANKs are energy storage systems that can be used with diesel, natural gas or renewable energy. The portable systems are often used for temporary power applications and to reduce CO2 emissions.
At CSS Farms, a POWRBANK Solar Trailer is used, comprising 12 X 350 Wp panels on a fold-out frame fitted on a heavy-duty, twin-axle trailer. The solar panels are placed on a sliding rack. The solar panels are the main source and the POWRBANK ensures access to clean energy when there is no or low solar irradiance.
"With the ability to remotely activate and deactivate the inverters which supply power to the [irrigation system] pivot controller, CSS Farms can turn the power on, wait for the pivot to connect to the network, then start irrigating without ever sending someone out there in a truck," said Zach Claus, Rental Sales Representative at Milton CAT. "This saves almost half a day of labor for each field."
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