Optimum Battery Sizing and PV Integration for Off-Grid Vertical Hydroponic Systems

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of energy consumption patterns and battery performance in an IoT-based vertical hydroponic system designed for automated nutrient monitoring. The system integrates photovoltaic (PV) technology with a 50Ah battery bank to enable off-grid operation while maintaining precise control of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in AB Mix nutrient solutions. Through detailed power profiling, we quantify the energy demands of system components including sensors, actuators, and fluid circulation systems. Our analysis reveals an average daily consumption of 200Wh, with the battery system providing 48 hours of autonomy under optimal conditions. The research further examines charging dynamics under varying solar irradiance levels and proposes scalability models for commercial-scale deployments. Key findings demonstrate that while the system operates efficiently at small scale, energy storage requirements increase disproportionately during periods of low solar availability. The study concludes with practical recommendations for battery sizing, PV panel configuration, and energy optimization strategies to enhance the viability of off-grid hydroponic agriculture.