According to a report published by IBEF, India is the world’s largest agricultural and food product producer. The growth of the Indian agriculture sector is estimated to be 3%—3.5% in 2021-22. India produces different food grains and crops, including rice, pulses, wheat, jute, coffee, oilseeds, tobacco, tea, fruits, and dairy products.
Punjab, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh are the top states in India for crop production.
The food industry consumes approximately 30% of global energy. Using solar for agro industry is one of the best and most cost-effective power solutions that can help meet the huge energy requirement. Using solar energy for agro and food processing industries, you can save up to 70% – 80% of your electricity bills.
Machinery in Agro & Food Processing Factory to Run on Solar
The machines used in the agro and food processing factory vary according to the food being prepared.
These are some common machinery used in an agro & food processing factory:
Preparation Equipment: Ultrasonic cleaner, air classifier, magnetic separators, vision sorting system, steriliser, spray washer, etc.
Mechanical Processing Equipment: Attrition mills, emulsifiers, homogenisers, meat grinders, mixers, roll crushers, single or twin-screw extruders, band saws, etc.
Heat Processing Equipment: Ovens, pasteurisers, fryers, dryers, and roasters.
Packaging Equipment: Case packing machines, cartooning machines, weighing machines, pick and place robots, food cutting robots, form-fill-seal machines, etc.
Material Handling and Storage Equipment: Automatic guided vehicles (AVGs), bucket elevators, conveyor systems, flat belts, industrial trucks, mezzanines, etc.
Energy Consumption in an Agro and Food Processing Factory
Here is the table about the energy consumption by an agro and food processing factory for different processes:
Process
Energy Consumption (MJ/kg)
Drying
0.5 – 0.75
Storage
1 – 3
Food and Beverage Processing
50 – 100
Cooking
5 – 7
Evaporation
2.5 – 2.7
To fulfil this energy requirement, the factories usually use thermal electricity or alternative non-renewable energy sources. You can choose solar energy to fulfil this energy requirement.
Benefits of Solar for Food Processing and Agro Industry
Here are some top advantages of choosing solar energy for the food processing industry:
Shorter Payback Period
Among other renewable energy sources, solar energy has a shorter payback period where you can get your initial money back just after 4 – 5 years. After that, you will enjoy free electricity for 21 – 25 years.
Electricity Bill Savings
Using solar solutions for your food processing factory, you can save up to 70% – 80% of your monthly electricity bills. These savings will help you with the overall profitability of your business.
Reliable Source of Electricity
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is more reliable as it is available everywhere. Additionally, the solar for agro company needs a very minimal annual maintenance cost that is just 1% – 2% of the initial cost.
Carbon & GHG Reduction
Replacement of thermal or non-renewable energy with solar power helps in carbon and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Solar energy generation has zero harmful effects on the environment.
Why Choose Us For Solar Solutions for Agro or Food Processing Company?
Here are the reasons to choose us for solar solutions in this industry:
Verified Installation Partners:
All of our solar system installation partners are verified by our internal team based on their past performance, so you don’t have to worry about the product and service quality.
Free Expert Advice:
We have a dedicated solar expert team to give you free guidance regarding solar energy and solar installations. Get in touch with them by filling out our Contact Us form.
No Forceful Sale:
We help you get the best solar quotation. It is your discretion to choose the offer and we will never force you to hire a particular installer. We will suggest you but you have to decide.
Free and Detailed Solar Quotation:
Before the installation process, we will provide you with a free solar quotation. It will include every small piece of information about your solar system and its installation.
24/7 Customer Support:
In case your solar installation is done, you can reach us anytime for any guidance such as electric faults, warranty claims, complaints, feedback, etc.
These are the reasons to choose us as your solar installer for agro and food processing company.
How to Install Solar Systems With Us?
We ensure a simple process of solar system installation process on our platform as mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit our Contact Us page and fill up your details properly. Once we get your request, one of our energy experts will reach you via call. During the call, you can ask any type of questions to clear your doubts about solar systems for your food processing factory.
Step 2: To proceed further, you have to book a site visit. After that, we will send an installation partner to the factory location. We will select the correct installation partner for you based on your specific requirements, especially your budget.
Step 3: After the visit, our partner will send you a detailed solar quotation about your solar for agro industry. It will include every information such as quantity, prices, warranty period, etc. of different solar components.
Step 4: If you confirm the installation, our partner will complete the solar system installation process as soon as possible. They will help you to apply for net meter installation. If any further support is required, you can contact us anytime during our business hours.
Our Solar Solutions For Agro and Food Processing Industries
These are some different types of solar solutions we offer for agro and food processing industries:
Grid-Connected Solar System
Solar Powered Water Pumps
Space and Water Heating
Grain and Crop Drying
Green House Heating
Remote Electricity Supply
Solar-Powered Cooling Systems
Returns on Installing Solar for Agro and Food Processing Industry
Follow this table to get an idea of your savings after solar installation for the agro industry:
Solar System Size
Monthly Generation
Monthly Savings
150 kW
22,500 unit
Rs. 2,70,000
375 kW
56,250 unit
Rs. 6,75,000
500 kW
75,000 unit
Rs. 9,00,000
Note- Here we have assumed per day electricity generation as 5 units and 1 kWp costs Rs. 12
Cost of Installing Solar for Agro Industry and Food Processing Factory
The cost of agro industry solar installation depends on multiple factors such as installation location, type of solar system, structure of your factory, etc. Additionally, the cost may increase in case you add any customisations to your solar system.
To know the exact cost please reach us at 9830795307 or email us at connect@dasenergie.com. We will discuss this with you and arrange a site visit with our eligible installation partner. After that, you will get the cost details as soon as possible through the solar quotation.
How Do the Agro and Food Processing Industries Work?
These are the steps of how the agro and food processing industries work:
Harvesting and Collection
First, the raw agricultural items are harvested from farms and taken to the factories for processing.
Cleaning and Sorting
After reaching the factory, the products are washed, cleaned and sorted based on their quality, size, etc.
Pre-processing
For pre-processing, peeling, slicing, chopping, or grinding is done based on the product/item.
Food Processing
In this step, the main transformation is done such as freezing, cooking, pasteurisation, fermentation, dehydration, etc. These methods are used to enhance the characteristics of the products and to preserve them.
Packaging
For packaging, the processed foods are packed in containers to maintain the quality for a long time (based on the food item).
Companies Using Solar Energy for Food Processing Units
Follow this table to learn about some companies using solar for their food processing units: