Solar-Powered Hydroponic Irrigation System

The primary objective of this project is to design and prototype a mobile, solar-powered hydroponic greenhouse capable of self-sufficiency from external electrical infrastructure while maintaining ideal growing conditions. The system uses a closed-loop approach of nutrient circulation that is driven entirely by renewable energy sources and managed with automated sensor feedback. The design is being constrained by budget, the capacity of solar panels and batteries, the availability of parts, the need for portability, and the time constraints of a multi-semester academic project. The mechanical design, electrical integration, and implementation of the control system for a small-scale mobile hydroponic unit involve the areas of CAD modeling, component selection, wiring the system, integrating sensors, and programming for its control with Arduino. Cilantro is being used as a demonstration crop for validation. Large-scale commercial manufacturing is beyond the scope of this project. While hydroponic systems are widely in use, most remain entirely energy-intensive and expensive, with limited automation and access. This project tackles the need for a self-sustaining, solar-powered, mobile hydroponic system that successfully incorporates renewable energy, automated nutrient regulation, and real-time environmental monitoring. The project aims to find a solution to this issue by designing and constructing an integrated solar-hydroponic greenhouse that enhances energy efficiency, conserves resources, and improves sustainable food accessibility.