Here is a schematic for a futuristic greenhouse powered entirely by electricity. Being a bit complicated, I will go over it one component at a time.
The solar panels charge batteries, which power the rest of the contraption. Air conditioning ensures the right temperature to optimize plant growth. Meanwhile green light fuels plant photosynthesis.
For irrigation, a dehumidifier runs outside, collecting water for a storage tank, from which water is then pumped to a sprinkler system that provides nourishment to what is being grown.
Calculations for the requisite power as well as cost are provided below:
Dehumidifier: 280W ($40)
Water Pump: 150W ($20)
Green Light: 20W ($15)
Sprinkler: 20W ($10)
A/C: 10W ($100)
Water Tank: 0W ($90)
The total power consumption is 11.5 kWh/day. Assuming a base solar power efficiency of 1.2 kWh/m2/day, about 10 square meters of solar panels will be required, at a cost of $200/m2, totaling $2000.
For the battery, Lithium Iron Phosphate costs approximately $150 per kilowatt hour, totaling $1725 for 11.5 kWh.
Summing all of the above modules together, we reach a grand total of $4000 for the entire system. In exchange, plants can be grown in perpetuity, regardless of weather conditions, and without direct sunlight.
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