Q: I would like to take better advantage of solar power in my garden. What ways are there to do this?
A:Β There are a few ways that are fairly easy to get started and then if you want to dig deeper, so to speak, you can explore other ways. To start, you might consider preserving your garden produce by dehydrating it in a solar dehydrator. These can be made fairly easily and there are plans to be found on the Internet. You can also use solar irrigation controllers in a garden drip system. If you are interested in more details and possibly some other energy-saving options, there is an Energy Masters course being offered this fall at the Campus Agricultural Center. This course will teach folks how solar PV, hot water and space heating technology work; costs and benefits of off-grid and hybrid PV systems; how to size solar PV for on and off-grid systems and solar hot water systems; local, state, and federal incentives for systems; and lastly, financing options for renewable energy. You can search the Internet for β2015 Arizona Energy Masters Courseβ for more details.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to plwarren@cals.arizona.edu.
