Solar GrainGuard

The project
AI Model
3D Model

Inspiration

Talking to farmers like Ramesh in my hometown made us realize the massive losses they face after harvest due to poor storage. With unreliable electricity and expensive solutions out of reach, we were inspired to build an affordable, smart, and sustainable system — leading to the creation of Solar GrainGuard.

What it does

Solar GrainGuard is an AI-powered, solar-driven grain storage system that intelligently monitors and maintains optimal storage conditions for farmers. After harvest, the farmer simply uploads a photo of the stored grain using a mobile app. Our AI model identifies the crop type and automatically configures the ideal temperature and humidity settings based on a preloaded crop database. The system uses DHT11 sensors to monitor real-time temperature and humidity inside the storage. If humidity rises, it automatically activates desiccant systems using silica gel to absorb excess moisture. If temperature exceeds safe limits, it powers a cooling fan driven by solar energy to bring the environment back to optimal levels. Farmers receive real-time alerts through the app or via SMS if critical conditions are detected, ensuring they can intervene manually if needed. Importantly, the entire system is solar-powered, making it ideal for off-grid rural areas where electricity is unreliable. This allows farmers to preserve grain quality for longer periods, wait for better market prices, and reduce post-harvest spoilage, ultimately increasing their income and enhancing food security.
Solar GrainGuard offers an affordable, automated, and sustainable storage solution tailored specifically to the needs of small and medium-scale farmers.

How we built it

We built the prototype using Arduino, DHT11 sensors, relays, silica gel for moisture control, and solar panels for energy. We trained a basic AI model to detect different grains from images and created a mobile app for monitoring and alerts, making it simple for farmers to use.

Challenges we ran into

Ensuring AI detection works under varying lighting conditions.
Designing for solar efficiency during cloudy weather.
Maintaining low costs while keeping the system durable.
Creating a simple, intuitive user experience for farmers with limited tech exposure.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

This project has been ranked first place in Asia in IEEE Repower 2024, receiving a standing ovation from international judges. We have won 2nd place in KIIT Ideathon 2025, receiving a cash price of ₹25000. We were given a certificate of appreciation from a national presentation meeting by AIM, which is given to only the top 6 presenters.

What we learnt

We learned the importance of designing for real-world challenges, especially when working with limited infrastructure. Simplicity, reliability, and accessibility are critical when developing solutions for rural users. We also gained valuable experience in optimizing AI and hardware integration for sustainability goals.

What's next for Solar GrainGuard

We plan to improve AI model accuracy, add battery backup for better performance during low sunlight, and expand our crop database. Moving forward, we aim to conduct field trials, collect real-world data, and refine the system to help farmers preserve their harvest more effectively.