Integrating Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System for Paddy Irrigation

In developing countries, especially India, solar pumping systems are an appealing option for agriculture and water supply systems due to the vast solar potential and a large rural population living in remote areas. This study aimed to design a standalone solar photovoltaic pumping system in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh to meet a paddy field's water requirements. A photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system with a centrifugal pump of 18 kW powered by a PV array of 20 kW was designed. Based on the simulation, the total water pumped yearly was 87,820 m3, and the performance ratio was 36.7%. In the economic analysis calculations, the energy cost was determined to be 3.77 INR/kWhr. The results of this study showed that solar photovoltaic pumps have a high investment cost, but they have several advantages over traditional water pumps. This study found that solar PV pumps have an increased investment cost but have several advantages over conventional pumps. Results indicate that solar PV water pumps are a viable and attractive solution to meeting agriculture's electricity demands in developing countries.