Solar Water Pumping System

Solar water pumping system The solar water pumping system uses solar energy to pump water. Parts • •

• • • • •

•

Solar PV panel One of the following motor-pump sets compatible with the photovoltaic array: surface mounted centrifugal pump set, submersible pump set, floating pump set, Submersible pump set, Any other type of motor-pump set, after approval from MNRE Pipes

Working of a solar water pumping system The system operates on power generated using solar PV (photovoltaic) system. The photovoltaic array converts the solar energy into electricity, which is used for running the motor pump set. The pumping system draws water from the open well, bore well, stream, pond, canal etc. The system requires a shadow-free area for installation of the Solar Panel Utility A system with 1800 watt PV array capacity and 2 HP pump can give a water discharge of 1.4 lakh litres per day from a depth of 6 to 7 meters. This quantity of water is considered adequate for irrigating about 5-8 acres of land holding for several crops. Approximate Cost Total cost of the system - Rs. 4,50,000/GOI subsidy through MNRE - Rs. 1,80,000/Advantages • • • • • •

No fuel cost - as it uses available free sun light No electricity required Long operating life Highly reliable and durable Easy to operate and maintain Eco-friendly

Types of Solar Power pumps:

SPV water pumping system uses the SPV array mounted on a stand and includes one of the following motor pump sets compatible with the PV array. 1. DC surface pump ( centrifugal ) or floating pumpset 2. AC surface or submersible pump set

Centrifugal pumps are suitable for areas where water is available at shallow depths such as open wells / stream / ponds / canals etc. They are driven by a DC motor. The total head is 14 m and maximum suction head is 7m. Better performance in the form of higher water output can be achieved when the suction head is kept at the minimum. Submersible pumps are recommended where water table is available at higher depth ( more than 14 m ). It is highly efficient and rugged multistage pump. Pumps can be conveniently placed under water so as to lift water from up to 50 m depth. The normal discharge rates of water for different types of pumps are given below :

Water Level Capacity Depth (maxi) m

Type

Discharge Rate / day (litres)

900 Wp – 1 Hp

14

75 000

1800 Wp – 2 Hp

14

1 40 000

AC 1800 Wp – submersible 0.75 Hp

50

50 000

DC Surface

• • •

Advantages: SPV water pumping systems can be installed at a site completely eliminating loss of energy in transmission. Can be installed to the required load of pumps upto 3000 Watts ( 2 hp ) SPV modules need only minimum maintenance and no battery is required. Potential for Use:

SPV pumps are more suitable for remote areas with no or unreliable grid or as an alternative to diesel pumps. Some of the most popular applications are :

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Drinking water supply for small habitations Horticulture farms, orchards, vineyards, gardens and nurseries Agro forestry and plantations Dairy, poultry and sheep farm Aqua culture, fish farming Cost & Subsidy :

Tentative cost of solar water pumps range from Rs.2.10 lakhs to Rs.5.10 lakhs depending on type and capacity of pumps. MNRE subsidy was available at the rate of Rs.81 per Watt peak subject to a maximum of Rs.50,000/- per system for community applications such as drinking water are to be given priority over individuals. IREDA will provide loans to eligible users and the inter med arise at the rate of 5% per annum respectively for the remaining price subject to a maximum of 90 % repayable in 10 years (subject to changes). No. of systems installed with subsidy : 285 pumps Limitations: • High cost of the system • Scope for use during day time only