The potential of meeting the heat requirement of poultry farms in the Manisa region from solar radiation

It is now widely acknowledged that our energy resources are under threat, both in Turkey and globally. These resources are in decline year on year. Indeed, the sun represents our most significant energy source. In light of the fact that solar energy is a clean, reliable and limitless source, there is a growing demand for its increased utilisation. Energy is a fundamental requirement in a multitude of sectors, including industry, services and agriculture. In the context of the agricultural sector, the production of animals, particularly poultry, represents a significant energy requirement. The objective of this study is to examine the potential of solar energy in meeting the energy needs of poultry farming in poultry houses located within the borders of Akhisar district of Manisa province. In particular, the study will investigate the applicability of solar energy for heating, cooling, lighting, irrigation and nutrition, as well as other energy requirements of the poultry farming enterprise. Additionally, the study will assess the potential for reducing energy costs through the utilisation of solar energy. In order to achieve this, the energy requirements of the enterprise selected as material in previous years were examined. This entailed an investigation into the energy requirements and energy losses (such as heating, cooling and lighting) and an analysis of the findings. The objective of this study was to examine the potential of solar energy to meet the heating needs of an enterprise between December and March, when the largest energy requirement occurs. In addition, the aim was to ascertain the effect of solar energy on energy costs. The study revealed that solar energy could meet 53% of the energy need in the relevant period and achieve approximately 76% savings in energy costs.