Feasibility of using solar energy for cold production

Abstract: The phoenicultural sector occupies an important place in Morocco’s agricultural development strategies. The country has seen increasing growth in the creation of date packing and cold storage units in hot areas where energy poses a critical environmental situation. The overall objective of this study was to enable the local population, especially the actors of the phoenicultural sector using the refrigerated units for the conditioning of dates, to benefit from the important solar potential enjoyed by the region, with a strong concern for reducing the energy bill and for participation in the national and international efforts to reduce the effects of climate change. The study made it possible to propose technical-economic solutions based on photovoltaic energy. It thus emerges that the use of this energy is essential as a curative solution to this challenging economic situation. Therefore, the context of the project is favourable to its success as a technical solution for reducing energy consumption.