Design of an Automatic Mouse Trap Powered by Solar Panels for Agricultural Land

Abstract

Rice production plays an important role in supporting global food security. However, agricultural productivity is continuously threatened by pest infestations, particularly rodents, which cause significant crop losses. Conventional rodent control methods commonly used by farmers still face several limitations, including low efficiency, environmental risks, safety concerns, and dependence on external electricity sources. This study aims to design and evaluate an automatic mouse trap system powered by solar panels as an environmentally friendly and energy-independent solution for agricultural land. The research employed an experimental method using a Research and Development (R&D) approach that involved system design, construction, implementation, testing, and quantitative analysis. The developed system consists of a 30 Wp solar panel, a solar charge controller (SCC), a 12 V, 35 Ah battery, an inverter, a capacitor, and an automatic electric-shock mechanism. The test results showed that the solar-powered system was able to operate the automatic mouse trap without requiring electricity from the PLN grid. During eight days of testing, the solar panels generated electrical power ranging from 48 W to 78 W, while maintaining a stable output voltage between 12 and 13 V, indicating sufficient energy availability to support continuous system operation. These findings demonstrate that integrating solar energy can improve the efficiency, sustainability, and energy independence of agricultural pest control technology. In conclusion, the developed automatic mouse trap represents a promising renewable energy-based solution for modern agriculture, particularly in rural areas with limited access to conventional electrical infrastructure.