Many companies work on remote plots, in rural areas where the electricity grid is not always reliable or even missing, or manage extensive plants that require central coordination. To meet these needs, Pan Agri is launching the new SmartBOX DC, a modular and autonomous cabinet designed to operate without external connections, thanks to a photovoltaic system and an advanced controller such as IRRIFARM 4.0 DC, capable of guaranteeing the continuity of irrigation and fertigation.
 © Pan Agri Srl - Unipersonale |  © Pan Agri Srl - Unipersonale |
"SmartBOX DC was born as a turnkey solution for irrigation, filtration, and nutrition," explains CEO Bernardo Grieco. "Although it has a strong application in the strawberry sector, it is designed to adapt to different crops and farm sizes. The added value is that the cabinet can be installed anywhere, regardless of the availability of electricity. Many systems are installed in areas where it would be too expensive to bring in a power connection. SmartBOX DC solves this problem because it is autonomous and ready to manage even very large systems."
 © Pan Agri Srl - Unipersonale |  © Pan Agri Srl - Unipersonale |
Controlling the system
At the heart of the SmartBOX DC is the IRRIFARM 4.0 DC controller, the same controller used in MultiFARM cable or radio systems. The DC version is fully self-powered by our photovoltaic system integrated in the Smartbox:
- up to 120 solenoid valves between local and radio;
- main pump and booster pump;
- Master Valve;
- three dosing channels dedicated to fertigation;
- dedicated outlet for agitators;
- filter backwash control;
- Inputs for agronomic sensors: pressure switches, pressure transducers, litre counters, complete weather station.
The machine integrates a 4G modem, supports Wi-Fi Direct, and can communicate via an external router. All data is automatically saved in the cloud and can be consulted via the app and cloud, thereby allowing access to the irrigation history, flow rates, consumption, and activity. The hardware structure is enclosed in an IP53 box, with expansion modules for up to 16 outputs per board. Setting it up is really easy, as irrigation programmes, dosages, and agitators can also be configured via smartphone, without manual intervention on the equipment.
© Pan Agri Srl - Unipersonale
Real autonomy, even in winter
One of the central points of the DC version concerns the autonomous power supply. The kit integrated in the SmartBOX includes 2 x 500 W photovoltaic panels, 2 x 230 Ah 12V batteries, and a 50 Ah MPPT charge controller.
© Pan Agri Srl - Unipersonale"Unlike small off-grid systems, this configuration is sized to support not only the control unit, but also the dosing channels, agitators, filters, and 24-hour data transmission. The result is a system that remains operational even on cloudy days or in periods of low solar radiation, a condition typical of the autumn and winter months when strawberries - especially in southern Italy - enter their most delicate growth phase."
According to Pan Agri, field tests show that the dual battery provides sufficient reserve to handle even intensive cycles, while the MPPT keeps the charging stable by avoiding voltage drops. "It is a system designed for everyday use and created to suit a wide range of farms. The system can be expanded by inserting additional valves, radio RTUs, new sectors, or additional fertigation modules, without changing the central structure."
The distinguishing feature of the SmartBOX DC is not just the technology, but its practicality: the company can install it, connect the water inlet and outlet, and start working. Routine tasks - irrigation, dosing, filtration - become repeatable and remotely controllable, thereby reducing the need for on-site intervention. "For the agricultural sector, which increasingly faces challenges related to water availability, energy, and labour, a modular and autonomous solution like SmartBOX DC is a concrete way to stabilise productivity and make the system less vulnerable to external factors."
For more information:
Pan Agri Srl
Via degli artigiani, snc
75020 Scanzano Jonico (Matera)
+39 0835 952321
[email protected]
www.panagri.it
