Specification and testing of PV pumps for a Moroccan project

Abstract

Although PV pumping is a mature technology, current PV pumping programmes show reliability deficiencies. This paper proposes procurement specifications and testing procedures in order to assure the technical quality of this kind of system. Testing facilities following the motto ‘keep it as simple as possible’, in order to make their application easier in conventional laboratories in developing countries, have been developed. The lessons learned in the application of this quality control mechanism to a PV pumping programme of 29 systems in Morocco are discussed in order to show the key parameters that should be taken into consideration in future initiatives. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.