A solar-powered irrigation system uses solar energy to pump water for agricultural needs. It’s a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel or electric pumps. 

This system is especially helpful for farmers in rural areas where electricity is limited or expensive. By using solar power, farmers can reduce costs, save fuel, and ensure a steady water supply for their crops. 

With a solar-powered irrigation method, farmers can support sustainable farming by reducing carbon emissions. 

In this article, we’ll cover how the system works, its components, types, benefits, and a few challenges to keep in mind.

What Is A Solar-Powered Irrigation System?

The solar-powered irrigation system uses energy from the sun to pump water for agricultural use. Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy, which powers a water pump for irrigation with the desired flow. 

This pump draws water from sources like ponds, wells, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs to irrigate the field.
The solar-powered irrigation system runs on renewable energy. It helps farmers reduce electricity costs and promotes eco-friendly farming.

How A Solar-Powered Irrigation System Works?

A solar-powered irrigation system includes a solar panel, a water pump, an inverter, a controller, and water storage tanks. 

The solar panel needs to be installed in a place where proper sunlight is available. When the sunlight hits the panel, the panel absorbs it and converts the sunlight into direct current (DC) electrical energy.

Since most water pumps run on alternating current (AC), an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity into AC.

A controller manages the system and may include sensors to monitor weather conditions and optimize water usage. Once the setup is done, the pump draws water and distributes it through the pipes in the fields.

Now, let’s understand the components of a solar-powered irrigation system in detail.

Components Of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems

1. Solar Panel

A solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. It needs to be arranged or set up so that there is an ample amount of sunlight. Therefore, the panel should be placed in open areas, such as rooftops or open land, where it does not cast a shadow from buildings and trees.

2. Solar Motor Pump

Solar motor pumps get energy from the solar panel. The solar pump is connected to the water source. When the electricity passes through the motor, the water comes through the pump outlet at a certain flow rate and is distributed through the pipes.

3. Pump Controller

Pump controllers play a significant role in solar irrigation systems. For the AC pumps, you need an inverter to convert the current from DC to AC. The inverters are present in many sizes according to the agricultural needs. Larger applications need a larger inverter. The typical range of the inverter can be 0.15 kw to 55 kw.

These controllers can be inverters and VFD (Variable frequency drives), and sometimes they also contain MPPT technology.

• Inverter

When the water pump is an AC-type motor, it needs an AC current. A solar panel generates DC current. An inverter converts DC into AC, which is helpful for running motor pumps.

• VFD (Variable Frequency Drives)

The VFD controls the speed of the solar water pumps. It helps to change the electrical frequency as needed to achieve a faster or slower pump speed. The VFD also adjusts the speed of the motor and flow rate according to the crop’s needs.

• Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

MPPT is an advanced technology that restarts the pump within two minutes after shutdown. Sometimes, the system shuts off due to a technical problem or power interruption, and then MPPT technology is used to restart the pumps.

4. Support Platform For Solar Panels

A support platform provides the best angle for the solar panel, helping to catch the proper and ideal sunlight. It also helps in challenging weather conditions, like storms, to prevent misalignment of the solar panel.

5. Water Storage Tanks

Water storage tanks help to irrigate land when the proper sunlight is not available. When the sunlight is at its peak, the tank should be filled with water.

Types Of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems

1. Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation System

A solar-powered drip irrigation system uses sunlight to power a pump that supplies water to crops. In the drip irrigation system, the water directly reaches the root of the plant through a network of pipes, tubes, and emitters. This method helps to minimise the water evaporation process and ensures that plants get just the right amount of water. With these properties, it is a cost-effective irrigation system for agriculture

2. Solar-Powered Sprinkler Irrigation System

The solar-powered sprinkler irrigation system distributes tiny water drops over the field. This system is suitable for irrigating larger land areas with uniform distribution.

3. Solar-Powered Surface Irrigation System

In a solar-powered surface irrigation system, the pump gets electric current from solar power. Water resources, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and more, are used by the pump to irrigate the field. This irrigation system is suitable for flat land areas where the water source is easily available.

4. Solar-Powered Subsurface Irrigation System

Solar-powered subsurface irrigation systems irrigate the root zones of plants directly. They are efficient and help prevent water from evaporating.

5. Solar-Powered Pivot Irrigation System

Solar-powered pivot irrigation systems use metal pipes, such as aluminium and steel pipes, and are connected to the sprinkler systems along their length. It is suitable for a large area of irrigation and irrigates the land in a circular motion.

6. Solar-Powered Micro Irrigation System

Solar-powered micro-irrigation systems help to irrigate the plant roots directly with the accurate amount of water.

It helps to prevent water waste in the irrigation process and is useful for mountainous regions where water is scarce.

7. Solar And Diesel-Powered Irrigation System

The diesel-powered irrigation system contains both a solar and a diesel system, which is used where the sunlight comes in an irregular pattern.

Advantages Of Solar Power Irrigation Systems

• Solar-powered irrigation systems help to reduce carbon footprints and help keep the atmosphere clean by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
• Solar-powered systems provide a reliable water source that does not need electricity.
• These are the independent systems, with no need for a grid to control the power.
• Solar panels are durable and can last for a long time, typically 20 to 25 years. They help farmers get water more easily, especially in places where water is hard to find or not always available.
• They have built-in sensors that help deliver the exact amount of water needed by the plants, reducing waste.
•  Once installed, the system requires only operational costs, with no recurring electricity bills.
• It is easy to maintain but requires minimal maintenance.

Disadvantages Of Solar Power Irrigation Systems

• The setup can be expensive because of the cost of solar panels, batteries, wiring, and installation. In the winter, it would be less productive due to the shorter days and less sunlight.
• It is a weather-dependent setup. The system needs strong sunlight to work well, so it may not perform efficiently on cloudy or rainy days.
• If you want to use it at night, you need to set up a number of extra batteries.
• Direct current (DC) equipment, which solar systems often require, is usually more costly than regular AC (alternating current) equipment.

Conclusion

Solar power irrigation systems are continually evolving. These are getting more user-friendly and advanced. With the non-use of fuel, work on renewable energy is becoming a more effective solution for farmers. There are many solar water pumping systems available, which use less energy than traditional ones. 

However, selecting a solar-powered irrigation system can be a confusing task for farmers. They need to consider some factors, such as sunlight availability, water source, land availability, initial and operating costs, and maintenance.