Sun-Powered Farming: UPH Departments Team Up for Sustainable Rooftop Farm
Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) has taken a major step forward in urban agriculture by successfully powering its campus rooftop farm through renewable energy. In a brilliant cross-departmental collaboration, the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Department of Biology developed a custom, off-grid solar power system. This setup is uniquely engineered to deliver a continuous 100-watt stream of electricity 24 hours a day, ensuring that the farm remains completely self-sufficient and independent from the main power grid.
This solar setup serves as the life support system for three distinct agricultural methods. It runs the water pumps for both a 5-rack hydroponic system and a massive 10-rack aquaponic setup, keeping nutrient-rich water flowing to hundreds of plant pots. Additionally, the solar grid powers the air aerators for a passive “Kratky” growing system, ensuring the plants receive plenty of oxygen. By relying on the sun to automate water circulation and aeration, the farm produces fresh greens with a net-zero carbon footprint.
Beyond keeping the crops hydrated, the sun also keeps the farm connected. The off-grid solar system powers an outdoor Wi-Fi router and network hub, allowing researchers to monitor the farm’s vital signs and data remotely. This innovative project perfectly highlights how UPH is bridging the gap between clean tech and sustainable food production, proving that the future of farming is bright, smart, and solar-powered.
