Self-sufficient solar-powered rooftop garden

The problem

Rooftop gardening struggles in Jordan's summer: a single week away is enough for everything to dry out. Commercial solutions need power and a water source on the roof, and most roofs have neither.

How it works

1. ReadingMeasuring soil moisture for each bed, plus air temperature, humidity, and solar radiation.
2. IrrigationThe pump draws water from the tank and waters only the dry bed.
3. ShadingAt peak sunlight the shade cover comes down and the fans run.
4. ReportA daily summary is sent with the readings, waterings, and the tank's water level.

Project features

• Full independence with a solar panel and a tank, no grid power or water supply needed.
• Automatic shading that comes down at the peak and goes back up after.
• A daily report reaches the user, so they can check the system is working while they're away.
• The system calculates the water used, so smart irrigation can be compared with traditional watering.

Expected challenges

These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.

• The energy budget is limited: the pump is the biggest consumer, so it must run during sunny hours.
• The tank needs a level sensor, or the pump may run dry and get damaged.
• Roof heat affects the electronics more than the plants, so the circuit box must be shaded.
• Drip lines can clog, and calibration drifts over time.

The consultation gives you a solution for each one.