Technical Analysis of Solar Pumping System based on Irrigation Requirement

Solar energy is the main source of energy and totally dependable one in India. Irrigation done by solar pumping is a striking option for farmers. As like the case with diesel pumps this technology does not require any type of fuel and maintenance. The PV pump system designing should be done by considering the crop water demand and the solar irradiation. The crop water requirement factor depends on varying season and so optimal amount of water supply should be made. The present paper aims to present a procedure to design and analyze a solar photovoltaic water pumping system for irrigation purpose. Rajasthan has an abundant source of solar energy but lacks in sufficient water. Peak water requirement of certain crops grown in Pipalda a village of Rajasthan has been evaluated with the help of CROPWAT 8.0 and accordingly sizing of a solar photovoltaic water pump is done. Other parameters have also been considered such as the evapotranspiration, climatic parameters, sun hours, soil-type, crop characteristics and others too. For better designing of the water pump for irrigation this evaluation based on crop water requirement helps in maintaining the ground water table.