SAMARA UNIVERSITY

Research Proposal
TITLE:
Solar-powered Cold Storage for Fruits and Vegetables in Samara-logia
Area
CONTENTS
BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION
Fruits and vegetables production has a crucial role in the economy of
the area. Besides that they are a source of essential nutrients to the
population. However, perishability brings significant challenges to
farmers and marketers in samara-Logia area to preserve their products
immediatly after harvesting. it also became more challenging in the
season with excess production of fruits and vegetables. much of which
goes to waste due to lack of access to proper storage facilities. The
post-harvest losses which accounts 50% results from the challenge.
In ability to preserve surplus perishible products offten causes food
crises in developing countries than low production(Chua & Chou,
2003).
The main factors for the post-harvest losses in the area includes
 The high ambient temperatures of the area: the hot atmospheric condition
causes fast deterioration of the fruits and vegetables
 Lack of access to cold storage facilities: farmers and marketers are unable to
preserve the quality of their produce after harvest.
 Surplus production and quality perceptions of the community for the products
especially for tomato, exacerbates the problem, leading to large quantities of
fruits and vegetables going to waste.
 The community perceived the tomato which harvested from the area has a low
quality perception meaning its taste is not appealing.
The losses resulting lower price selling and reduced profitability. The lower
economic return for farmers and marketers disappointing them and leaving from
the sector. The un-stable market will create less availability of the products for
the consumers, and impacts the overall sustainability of agricultural production.
The current research project focuses on developing solar-powered cold storage systems for
fruits and vegetables in the Samara-logia region to address the challenges of post-harvest
losses and the need for sustainable food preservation
A solar-powered cold storage system offers a solution that is both cost-effective and eco-
friendly, using renewable solar energy to power refrigeration units. This system is especially
suitable for rural areas where access to the electrical grid is limited or unreliable. By utilizing
solar power, the cold storage system can operate off-grid, making it an ideal option for
remote locations.
Key Features of Solar-Powered Cold Storage
• Solar Energy: Solar panels generate electricity to power refrigeration units, cooling
systems, and other equipment.
• Backup Batteries: Storage batteries ensure that the cold storage system operates
continuously, even during the night or on cloudy days.
• Local Materials: The cold storage units are designed using locally available, cost-effective
materials, ensuring sustainability and low construction costs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource, making it an
environmentally friendly alternative to conventional power sources.
This will allow farmers and marketers to:
Extend the shelf life of perishable produce
Reduce post-harvest losses, preserving both quality and market value
Optimize supply chains, allowing for produce to be sold at more stable
prices throughout the year
Increase profitability for farmers by enabling them to sell their products at
a time when prices are higher, rather than being forced to sell immediately
after harvest at low prices
In conclusion, the introduction of solar-powered cold storage systems is an
innovative, sustainable solution to reduce post-harvest losses, improve
market access, and promote food security for farmers and consumers in
Ethiopia. The success of this project in Samara-logia could serve as a
model for similar initiatives in other regions facing the same challenges.
As a summary:
THE PROBLEM:
 The high post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Samara-logia
area due to perishable nature and high ambient temperature.
 Quality perception
PROBLEM OUT-PUT
 The losses lead to low prices, reduced production, and poor market
availability
SOLUTION CHALLENGE:
 Lack of cold storage facilities for preservation.
OBJECTIVE
General Objective:
To evaluate a solar-powered cold store for fruits and vegetables in
Samara-logia.
Specific Objectives:
1. Design and construct the cold store
2. Test performance for preservation
3. Evaluate commercial viability for farmers and marketers
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Post-harvest losses of agricultural produces especially fruits and
vegetables challenge for farmers and marketers in the area
Their perishable nature, combined with the high temperature in the
area, accelerates deterioration
As a result, they are facing reduced sales, which in turn leads to
reduced production and limited market availability.
Every year, when there is surplus production, there is a substantial
amount of fruits and vegetables are wasted or discarded
This cycle of loss and disappointment often discourages farmers, who
may shift to other crops with more reliable returns.
Leading to unstable supply and inconsistent consumer consumption
Moreover, there is a poor quality perception on tomatoes, which are
often considered to have an unappealing taste and often for avoiding
locally grown tomatoes
Ripening at high temperature may have an effect on tomatoes quality.
To address this, ripening them at optimum temperature may improve
there quality
lack of cold storage facilities is a challenge
The high technological costs along with limited awareness and power
constraints exacerbates the problem.
Therefore, introducing solar-powered cold storage facilities in Samara-
Logia will allow farmers to store their produce at optimal conditions,
helping to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and
ensure a more stable supply to the market
SIGNIFICANCE
Fruits and vegetables post-harvest losses are a critical issue for farmers and
marketers in the Samara-Logia area. Lack of access to cold storage facilities along
the supply chain is the main reason
In Ethiopia, cold storage infrastructure is typically expensive and is mostly used for
high-value export commodities such as avocados and flowers
As a result, farmers and marketers have limited access to affordable cold storage
solutions, hindering their ability to preserve surplus produce and optimize sales.
Introducing affordable cold storage facilities would significantly benefit them
The proposed project will enable to:
 Establish small-scale cold storage facilities near to farming and market areas,
making it easier for them to access it
 Provide a solution for storing surplus fruits and vegetables from daily markets,
allowing to sell their products later, at a more optimal time.
The growing population, urbanization, and living standard changes
driving to establish for sustainable food production. Addressing such
post-harvest losses can contribute on it by ensuring that produce is
preserved and available for longer periods
Additionally, the use of solar power for cold storage allow to access off-
grid power options which will creates options to reduce initial cost and
enable to install cost effective cold storage.
In summary, this project will help reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize
the supply of fresh produce, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and
marketers
Impact:
 Addresses the lack of affordable cold storage facilities.
 Helps reduce post-harvest losses.
 Supports food security and economic stability for farmers.
Benefits:
 Sustainable cold storage powered by solar energy.
 Potential to reduce distress sales and improve market stability.
 Eco-friendly solution supporting climate resilience.
The solar-powered cold storage systems will play a crucial role in
improving the fruits and vegetables value chain. Beyond preservation it
have the following significant benefits
Loss reduction: Extend the shelf life by slow down the natural ripening
and decay processes. This significantly reduces post-harvest losses,
which can often be as high as 30-40% in many developing countries due
to lack of proper storage.
Increased market availability: provides a critical solution for longer
period preservation and which will create sustainable availability in
local markets
Increased Income: improve income by reducing losses, taking
advantage of better pricing opportunities, and expanding their sales.
This leads to a more stable and predictable income.
Improved quality: Cold storage can help to retain the nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables (ensuring that they remain healthy and
nutritious for longer)
Cold storage systems create opportunities for local entrepreneurs who can offer cold storage services to farmers in exchange for a fee. This
supports small businesses, encourages innovation, and promotes local economic growth
METHODOLOGY
The research project is intended to design and construct affordable
solar powered cold store to be installed at farm and markets areas for
storing perishable fruits and vegetables in order to extend their shelf
life. It will reduce post-harvest losses due to lack of cold storage and
will increase the income. Initially the cold store will be constructed,
tested and evaluated for performance at Samara University compound.
It has the following components:
1. Cold Store: 3.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m with 4-5 MT capacity.
2. Cooling Unit: Energy-efficient refrigeration with 0-15°C temperature
control.
3. Solar Power: 5kW solar panels with backup batteries.
METHODOLOGY
Need Assessment
Sites where the cold storage will be implemented is identified a
System Design
Requirements of cold store
Size and capacity
Cold room with the dimensions: 3.5m length, 2.5m width and 2.5m height
Insulation: Affordable materials
 150mm thick to maintain temperature.
 Capacity: 4-5 MT of produce (e.g., tomatoes).
Temperature and Humidity Control:
 Design the storage space to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity for
different fruits and vegetables. Typically, the temperature ranges between 5-15°C
(41-59°F), depending on the produce.
Solar Power System:
 5kW solar panels-based on the energy requirements of the cooling
system to generate sufficient power to cool 4-5MT products
Backup batteries
 to ensure power availability during cloudy days or at night
 Size the battery bank based on energy needs
Power Inverter:
Select an appropriate inverter to convert DC power from solar panels
into AC power for the cooling units
Cooling System:
 Monoblock refrigeration for off-grid use with autonomous operation.
• Construction and Installation
Site Selection and Preparation
Site Location: Choose a location with good sun exposure throughout the day (preferably south-facing in the
northern hemisphere), and close to the community for ease of access.
Groundwork: Prepare the site for construction, including leveling the ground and installing any necessary
infrastructure (e.g., solar panel mounting frames, wiring conduits, etc.).
Cold Storage Construction
Foundation and Structure: Build the cold storage facility, ensuring proper insulation of walls, floors, and
ceilings to optimize energy efficiency. The storage space should be well-ventilated and secure to prevent
unauthorized access.
Ventilation and Airflow: Ensure proper airflow within the storage unit to prevent humidity buildup, which
could lead to mold or spoilage.
Solar Power System Installation
Solar Panels: Install solar panels on the roof or another optimal location, ensuring they are angled correctly to
maximize sunlight absorption.
Electrical Wiring: Connect the solar panels to the inverter, battery bank, and refrigeration system following
safety standards and local regulations.
Battery Storage: Set up the battery bank in a secure, ventilated area, ensuring proper sizing and
connections to the system.
Solar power system
It can be used for 25-30 years with 95% efficiency
• Performance Testing

• Pilot Testing:
• Test without produce and with produce (tomatoes) to evaluate
temperature control and shelf life.
• Compare shelf life of tomatoes stored in optimal temperature vs.
ambient conditions.
• Assess cooling performance and energy consumption.
• Potential Sites Selection

• Criteria:
• Major fruits/vegetables and their yields.
• Existing logistics and supply chain practices.
• Market volumes and loss rates.
• Feasibility of installation and long-term management.
• Commercial Viability

• Factors Considered:
• Economic capacity of farmers and marketers.
• Cost of materials and technology options.
• Market demand for fresh produce with extended shelf life.
• Evaluation: Interviews, field observations, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Work Plan

• Timeline (10 Months):

• Q1: Detailed work plan, site selection, and procurement.
• Q2: Installation and system setup.
• Q3: Testing and performance evaluation.
• Q4: Final evaluation, training, and reporting.
• Key Activities:
• Site selection, installation, training, and monitoring.
• Budget Overview

• Total Budget: 2,926,960 Birr

• Capital Costs: 1,506,900 Birr (solar panels, refrigeration units,
etc.).
• Operational & Other Costs: 629,410 Birr (construction,
installation).
• Personnel Costs: 652,500 Birr (researcher, expert per diem).
• Transportation Costs: 138,150 Birr.
• Budget Breakdown

• Capital Costs:
• Insulator: 230,000 Birr
• Refrigeration Unit: 355,000 Birr
• Solar Panel: 325,000 Birr
• Inverter: 136,000 Birr
• Batteries: 390,000 Birr
• Charge Controller: 54,400 Birr
• Operational Costs: Electrical, construction, and monitoring systems.
• Expected Outcomes

• Short-Term:
• Successful installation of the pilot cold store.
• Effective preservation of fruits and vegetables.
• Long-Term:
• Reduced post-harvest losses in the region.
• Increased market availability and improved income for farmers
and marketers.
• Conclusion

• Solar-powered cold storage offers a sustainable solution to reducing

post-harvest losses and improving the quality of fruits and vegetables
in Samara-logia.
• The project will enhance market availability, reduce waste, and
support local farmers' livelihoods.
• The implementation of solar-powered cold storage systems can be
scaled to other regions facing similar challenges.