Solar Pumping
Solar pumps are cost effective solutions for providing water in places where the water sources are scattered, the terrain is rugged and it is difficult to lay electric power lines from the grid and in case pumping is to be done using IC Engine based pumps, having the problem of frequent maintenance , transportation and storage of fuel.
Solar based pumping systems can operate almost unattended requiring very little maintenance for considerable periods of time, while doing so it consumes no fuel also.
Solar pumps function with the help of solar photo voltaic (PV) panels. These are also called solar cells. They convert solar energy directly to electrical energy without having to go through any thermal or mechanical processes. This reduces the losses considerably and improves the efficiency.
The major advantages of solar pumping system as compared to other systems in given in Table.
|
Pump type |
Advantage |
Disadvantage |
|
Solar |
(a) No fuel Costs (b) Low maintenance (c) Easy to install (d) Simple and Reliable (e) Unattended operation (f) Can be made mobile (g) Pollution free |
(a) High initial cost (b) Low output during bad weather (c) Needs good sun shine |
|
Diesel / Gas Operated |
(a) Moderate capital cost (b) Easily portable (c) Well proved system (e) Easy to install |
(a) Needs frequent maintenance (b) Reduce life (c) Fuel cost is recurring (d) Noise, dirt and pollution (e) Needs operators |
The salient points of merit which stands out in solar PV based system is its low labour and maintenance cost and stand alone operation.