The feasibility study of solar irrigation: Economical comparison between diesel and photovoltaic water pumping systems for different crops

Abstract

This article investigates the feasibility of solar powered irrigation process in Bangladesh where photovoltaic technology could be used to gather solar energy for running a submersible pump and supply water for crop cultivation. It also depicts a comparative picture of irrigation costs for 27 Bangladeshi crops for diesel and photovoltaic irrigation systems. The researchers have collected data concerning required water height during farming of those crops and then have calculated water volume for 1 hectare of land. Subsequently, two commonly used pumps (solar, diesel) with same power ratings (5 hp) have been chosen. Specific area covered by these pumps for different crops are calculated furthermore from the attained water volumes. Finally, total irrigation costs (at present condition) of these types of irrigation choices for a period of ten years have been computed and analyzed. The study highlights that irrigation with solar energy for certain crops, namely potato, cotton, soybean, sunflower, strawberry, lentil, mustard etc. are very much lucrative compared to diesel powered irrigation.