Top Tips for irrigators

QFF Energy Savers program have helped farmers identify where they can make savings. Their top tips for irrigators are:

1. Understand energy and water use – monitor energy and water consumption and production output over time (e.g. kWh/t product or ML/t product). Set a baseline, benchmark with other producers and set targets.

2. Low hanging fruit – look for easy wins through a walk around the site. Turn off appliances. Clean motors, compressors, condensers and ducting. Check irrigation pipework for right-angles, T junction and narrow pipes.

3. Optimise the amount of water applied to the crop and deliver it the most efficient way.

4. Consider operational costs – Upto 80% of the cost of a pump comes from the operating costs over 10 years so consider operating costs not just up front costs. Purchase efficient models.

5. Renewables can make sense – solar panels are good for sites with a busy day (e.g. packing sheds). Solar hot water, batteries and renewable options can be cost effective and are getting cheaper.

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