Solar Water Pumping: An Overview

THE GREEN MANTRA

Environmental Carbon Solutions Pvt. Ltd,
R-8, Nehru Enclave, Nehru Place,
New Delhi-110019
www.thegreenmantra.com
Importance of Energy

Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of Indian

economy – agriculture, industry, transport, commercial, and domestic – needs
inputs of energy. The economic development plans implemented since
independence have necessarily required increasing amounts of energy. As a
result, consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the
country. This growing consumption of energy has also resulted in the country
becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal and oil and gas.
Rising prices of oil and gas and potential shortages in future lead to concerns
about the security of energy supply needed to sustain our economic growth.
Increased use of fossil fuels also causes environmental problems both locally and
globally.
Against this background, the country urgently needs to develop a sustainable path
of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of
renewable energy sources are the twin planks of a sustainable energy supply.
Fortunately, India is blessed with a variety of renewable energy sources, the main
ones being biomass, biogas, the sun, wind, and small hydro power. (Large hydro
power is also renewable in nature, but has been utilized all over the world for
many decades, and is generally not included in the term ‘new and renewable
sources of energy’.) Municipal and industrial wastes can also be useful sources of
energy, but are basically different forms of biomass.

Advantages of renewable energy are that it is

 perennial
 available locally and does not need elaborate arrangements for transport
 usually modular in nature, i.e. small-scale units and systems can be almost
as economical as large-scale ones
 environment-friendly
 well suited for decentralized applications and use in remote areas.
The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has been implementing
comprehensive programmes for the development and utilization of various
renewable energy sources in the country. As a result of efforts made during the
past quarter century, a number of technologies and devices have been developed
and have become commercially available.

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Solar Energy

India lies in the sunny regions of the world. Most parts of India receive 4–7 kWh
(kilowatt-hour) of solar radiation per square metre per day with 250–300 sunny
days in a year. The highest annual radiation energy is received in western
Rajasthan while the north-eastern region of the country receives the lowest
annual radiation.
Solar energy, experienced by us as heat and light, can be used through two
routes: the thermal route uses the heat for water heating, cooking, drying, water
purification, power generation, and other applications; the photovoltaic route
converts the light in solar energy into electricity, which can then be used for a
number of purposes such as lighting, pumping, communications, and power
supply in unelectrified areas. Energy from the sun has many features, which make
it an attractive and sustainable option: global distribution, pollution free nature,
and the virtually inexhaustible supply.

SPV Pumping System

Water pumping is one of the most important applications of PV in India. An SPV

water pump is a DC or AC, surface-mounted or submersible or floating pump that
runs on power from an SPV array.
The array is mounted on a suitable structure and placed in a shadow free open
space with its modules facing south and inclined at local latitude. A typical SPV
water-pumping system consists of an SPV array of 200–3000 Wp capacity,
mounted on a tracking/non-tracking type of structure. The array is connected to a
DC or AC pump of matching capacity that can be of surface mounted,
submersible, or floating type. Interconnecting cables and electronics make up the
rest of the system. SPV water pumps are used to draw water for irrigation as well
as for drinking. The normal pumping heads are in the range of 10 metres (m) for
irrigation, and 30 m for drinking water. It is possible to use pumps with even
greater head, especially for drinking water supply. The SPV array converts sunlight
into electricity and delivers it to run the motor and pump up water. The water can
be stored in tanks for use during non-sunny hours, if necessary.
For maximum power output from the SPV array, the structure on which it is
mounted should track the sun. Electronic devices are used to do this in some
models, thereby enabling the systems to operate at maximum power output. The

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power from the SPV array is directly delivered to the pump in the case of DC
pumps. In the case of AC pumps, however, an inverter is used to convert the DC
output of the array into AC. No storage batteries are used in an SPV pump. An SPV
pump based on a one-horsepower motor can irrigate about 1–1.5 hectares of
land under a variety of crops except paddy and sugar cane (assuming a 10-m
water table). Using the same pump along with drip irrigation, it is possible to
irrigate up to 6 hectares of land for certain crops. A two-horsepower SPV pump
could irrigate about 2–3 hectares of land under many crops except paddy and
sugar cane (again assuming a 10-m water table).
The cost of an SPV pump depends on the capacity and type of pump.

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Components of SPV pumping system
1. Solar (PV) Panels
Solar panels are electrical devices that generally use Silicon-an element
made from sand-and most commonly used in the manufacturing of
computer chips. When solar energy hits the top layer of Silicon, it frees
electrons from the Silicon atoms. These free electrons are attracted to the
bottom layer and flow towards it. The flow of electrons is electricity, and is
captured for use.

2. Pump
Pumps for village water pumping are typically submersible low-volume,
high-lift types. They often have brush-less DC motors for long life and little
maintenance.
There are two types: positive displacement, which include the higher lift
helical coil (like a screw) and the less costly and lower low rate diaphragm
pump. The other type is a centrifugal pump (spins to create suction), which
is used in higher lift applications.

3. Controller
The controller has two primary functions. First, it monitors the
characteristics of the electricity being produced by the PV panels (volts and
amps) and electronically modifies these values to enable the pump to run
longer and more efficiently. Secondly, the controller is an electronic switch
to control when the pump goes on and off. The controller monitors
electricity from the PV panels, the water level in the well, and the water
level in the tank to ensure efficient and safe pump operation.

4. Storage Tank
A tank to store water until it is ready to be consumed. Large enough to
ensure backup in case low weather conditions do not allow for pumping.

5. PV panel pack
Racks are used to mount the solar panels. Either ground, roof, or top-of-
pole mounted, many are user-adjustable to meet the sun at a more optimal
angle. Some racks can passively or actively (using a motor) track the sun to
maximize the efficiency of the PV panels.

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6. Water Piping
A variety of water piping is needed. The piping from the pump to the top of
the well is generally a 1.25” or 1” PE pipe. PE (Poly Ethylene) pipe is a thin
plastic pipe, similar to PVC, but thinner and more flexible. PVC piping is
then installed from the wellhead to the inlet at the top of the storage tank.
If the water points are not at the tank, then piping needs to be installed
from the tank to the watering points.

7. Electrical Wiring
Power wiring in conduit is installed from the solar array to the controller.
Control wiring in conduit is installed from the controller to the float switch
in the tank. Electrical Wiring is installed from the pump in the well up to the
controller. This wiring is inside the well casing is generally special
submersible pump wiring.

8. Solar Tracking System (Optional)

A solar tracker is a device for orienting a daylighting, reflector, solar
photovoltaic panel or concentrating solar reflector or lens toward the sun.
The sun's position in the sky varies both with the seasons and time of day
as the sun moves across the sky. Solar powered equipment works best
when pointed at or near the sun, so a solar tracker can increase the
effectiveness of such equipment over any fixed position, at the cost of
additional system complexity. There are many types of solar trackers, of
varying costs, sophistication, and performance.

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Design Considerations for PV powered water systems
1. Types of Water Pumps

SHALLOW WELL WATER PUMPING SYSTEM (Model SW 1800)¹

SPV panel 1800 Wp

Type of pump Centrifugal DC monoblock
Max.Suction head 6.0 metres
Max. Total Dynamic 12.0 metres
head
Capacity of motor 2 HP
Mounting structure MS hot dipped galvanized with three times Manual
tracking facility

Water Output:
The system would deliver 1,30,000 liters per day at 10m total dynamic head
on a clear sunny day with three times tracking of SPV panel when solar
radiation on horizontal surface is: 5.5 kWH/sq.m/day

SPV DEEPWELL WATER PUMPING SYSTEM (Model DW 1200)¹

SPV panel 1200 Wp

Type of motor pump set Submersible
Max. Total Dynamic 70.0 metres
head
Capacity of motor 2 HP
Mounting structure MS hot dipped galvanized with three times
Manual tracking facility

Water Output:
The system would deliver 30,000 liters per day at 30m total head and
12,000 liters per day at 70m total head on clear sunny day with three times
tracking of SPV panel when solar radiation on horizontal surface is: 5.5
kWH/sq.m/day

¹Source: http://www.celindia.co.in/wate_pumping.htm
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 SPV DEEPWELL WATER PUMPING SYSTEM (Model DW 1200)¹

SPV panel 1800 Wp

Type of motor pump set Submersible
Max. Total Dynamic 70.0 metres
head
Capacity of motor 2 HP
Mounting structure MS hot dipped galvanized with three times
Manual tracking facility

Water Output:
The system would deliver 42,000 liters per day at 30m total head and
19,000 liters per day at 70m total head on clear sunny day with three times
tracking of SPV panel when solar radiation on horizontal surface is: 5.5
kWH/sq.m/day

2. Daily Insolation Levels

The power produced by a PV system depends on the isolation (amount of
sunlight) available. This insolation varies for each site and month to month,
due to seasonal and climatic variations. Insolations is usually measured in
sun hours (1 sun hour=1 kWh/m², about equal in intensity to sunshine on a
clear sunny day at solar noon).
In India the solar radiation varies between 4-7 kWh/m²/day

¹Source: http://www.celindia.co.in/wate_pumping.htm

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3. Orientation and Location of Photovoltaic Arrays
Orientation refers to position of a surface related to true south. Although
photovoltaic arrays that face within 15° of true south receive almost full
sunshine, any unobstructed, generally south facing surface is a potential
array location. In many areas, a slightly western orientation is preferable to
due south to avoid morning haze or fog. An array should not be shaded by
obstructions like buildings or trees. Obstructions that cause no interference
in summer may cast long shadows when the winter sun is low in the sky.
THE GREEN MANTRA 9
Cost and Economics of Pumping Systems
To be cost effective, the PV option must be less expensive (over the system’s life)
than feasible mechanical pumping alternatives, such as diesel, wind or other
electric systems. In many remote areas, hand pumps will be the norm for village
water supply, and the costs of hand pump use will be the baseline against which
other mechanical systems are compared.

Cost Appraisal of a PV- Powered Pumping System

The following information is needed for the cost appraisal of a water pumping
system:
Economic: Period of analysis
(Usually equal to the lifetime of the longest lived component)
Discount rate
Differential inflation rates for certain items (if any)
Technical: Lifetime of each main component in years
Costs: Capital cost for complete system
Capital cost for replacement components
Annual maintenance and repair cost
Installation costs

Capital and Installation Costs- There are four major elements in the capital
costs of a PV-powered water system:
1. PV array modules
2. Balance-of-system (BOS) components (structures, wiring, control devices
etc)
3. Water pump and motor
4. Water storage and distribution network

Since the storage and distribution system would be the same for all power
sources for water-pumping projects, we will disregard it for the purposes of this
analysis. Note, however that a larger capital expenditure for the storage system
may be required with a PV system than for other types of water pumping
systems. This is because of the recommended 3 sunless days’ water storage for
PV systems.
PV modules: Current (2010) costs from the factory are about Rs 100/Wp for
quantities of 100 to 250 modules. The costs may come down for larger

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procurement. It is also expected that there will be further reduction of costs of PV
modules in coming days.
Water Pumps: Costs for pumps vary depending on the type required for the
application.
The cost of 2-HP solar water submersible pump is Rs. 4 lakh while a 5-HP pump
costs Rs. 10 lakh.¹
This includes the total setup cost of the system which includes PV modules,
water pump, wiring etc.
The life of solar pump is taken as 7 yrs and for PV modules it can last for 20-25 yrs.
We are assuming that the cost of a solar water pump is 20% of the total cost of
the system given above.
Therefore for the replacement cost of water pump after 7 yrs will be Rs 40,000 for
2 HP pump and Rs 2, 00,000 for 4 HP pump respectively.
Operations and Maintenance Costs:
The operating costs of a PV pump are nil. The cost of maintaining the pump is
difficult to estimate because of variations in local repair capabilities.
The supplier provides annual maintenance contract to the beneficiary at Rs 1950
after initial guarantee period of 1 1/2 years. The solar panel is expected to provide
about 20 years of satisfactory service under normal conditions, even though the
cell itself may last much longer.  The only maintenance requirement is occasional
washing of the surface to maintain maximum optical transmission through the
glass. The panel has to be protected from breakage by external agencies.  Some
manufacturers cover the cell/array with unbreakable glass.  The motor and the
pump require the usual periodic maintenance like cleaning, lubrication and
replacement of worn parts.²

¹ http://beta.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article429995.ece
² http://planning.up.nic.in/innovations/inno3/mi/solar_pump.ht

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Advantages/Disadvantages of Solar powered water pumping
system and Diesel powered water pumping system.

Pump Type Principal Advantages Disadvantages

Solar  Low maintenance
(PV–powered)  Clean
 No fuel needed
 Easy to install
 Reliable Long Life
 Unattented operation
 System is modular and
can be matched closely
to need
Diesel powered  Moderate capital cost
 Can be portable
 Extensive experience
 Easy to install
 Relatively high capital
cost
 Lower output in cloudy
weather
 Maintenance often
inadequate, reducing life
 Fuel often expensive and
supply intermittent
 Noise, dirt and fume
problems

Financial Analysis of Solar and Diesel water pumping systems:

Solar water pumping system:
A pumping system will last a certain time before it needs replacement. In a PV
system, for example, the panels should last 20-30 years, whereas the pump may
have to be replaced every 7-10 years.
Cost of a 5 HP solar water pumping system =RS 10, 00,000
Maintenance cost= Rs 1000/year
Cost of a dc solar water pump = Rs 2, 00,000

Diesel water pumping system:

A diesel pumping system consist of a generator and a AC submersible pump, with
other things remaining the same as in Solar pumping system (storage system,
water distribution system etc) The generator will last for 7-10 years before it
needs replacement and the pump needs to be changed after 5-7 years.
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Cost of a 5 HP diesel generator = Rs 60,000
Cost of a 5 HP AC submersible water pump = Rs 25,000
C= Rs (60,000 + 25,000) =Rs 85,000
Operation costs= 1.25 litre/hr * Rs 35.5 (Price of diesel/liter)
= RS 44.375/hr
= Rs 44.375*5*365/year (running 5 hours a day for 365 days a yr)
= Rs 80984.375/year
Maintenance costs =Rs 2000/year

After analyzing both modes of drawing water for irrigation, we found that solar
water pumping system is far more beneficial and economic as compared to diesel
water pump system.
Solar water pumping system will cost around 50% (including subsidy) of the
amount spent on diesel water pumping system.
In addition we can avail the CERs generated from the installation of solar water
pumping system. It is estimated that from the installation of 10,000 5 HP solar
water pumps, 62600 CERs will be generated each year.
The current exchange rate for CERs is:
1 CER=€ 13 (approx)
€ 1 =Rs 65 (approx)
Thus the amount generated by selling the CERs in INR in a year will be
Rs 5,28,97,000 (for 10,000 pumps).

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