We are Solaride, a non-profit organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of solar technology and fostering the next generation of innovators. Our flagship project involves the development of a solar-powered car, but our broader mission is to empower people through sustainable technology. We believe in creating solutions that not only address global challenges but also nurture creativity and technical skills.
The challenge is to develop a smart, automated irrigation system that uses solar energy to power sensors and water pumps. The system should be capable of determining when irrigation is necessary based on soil moisture levels, weather conditions, or plant needs. By providing water only when needed, this system reduces waste and supports sustainable agriculture and gardening practices. Farmers, gardeners, and agricultural workers will benefit from this solution by achieving more efficient water use and increasing crop yield while reducing environmental impact.
Water scarcity and overuse in agriculture are growing concerns as the effects of climate change intensify. Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of global water consumption, and optimizing irrigation can dramatically reduce water waste. A solar-powered smart irrigation system addresses two critical issues—water conservation and energy sustainability—by harnessing renewable energy to provide precise irrigation only when necessary. This challenge is timely, as sustainable farming and efficient water use become key priorities for both large-scale agriculture and small-scale gardening.
Success would involve the creation of a fully functional prototype of a smart irrigation system that operates autonomously using solar energy. The system would include sensors to monitor soil moisture, temperature, or weather conditions and control water pumps to irrigate only when needed. A successful solution would reduce water waste, be easy to set up and maintain, and be adaptable to various sizes of gardens, farms, or greenhouses. The system should be scalable, cost-effective, and capable of functioning in remote locations without reliance on traditional energy sources.
Potential directions for the solution could involve integrating solar-powered sensors with existing irrigation systems, using low-power microcontrollers to automate the process. Teams may explore technologies such as drip irrigation or precision watering systems, combining them with smart sensors and data analytics to optimize irrigation timing. Existing smart home or smart agriculture technologies can serve as inspiration for designing a system that is both user-friendly and highly efficient.
After the hackathon, successful teams can be paired with mentors who will be able to guide them further in their development and help them take the next steps forward.