Awareness Programme on Solar Water Pumping System

In recent years, the application of solar energy is consistently increasing as an renewable and green source of energy. It has become the need of the hour due to diminishing availability of fossil fuels and environmental problems. Its potential is high due to its availability in abundance and the Energy Unit Cost is decreasing due to advances in harnessing technology. Its use and support among farmers is also increasing. Irrigation is one of the important operations undertaken by the farmers, and the conventional irrigation pumps are driven either through electricity or diesel as the energy source. Besides, higher cost, irregular supply of electricity and higher diesel price disturb the timely irrigation to the crops. Solar powered pumping systems are affordable alternative to replace conventional diesel or electric pump sets. The solar water pump is reliable and environmentally sustainable. Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) water pumping system is one of the ideal solutions for assured, timely and efficient irrigation to the crops. Solar PV system provides regular/continuous supply of DC electric power to run the solar PV water pumping system resulting in timely and efficient irrigation which leads to higher agricultural productivity. Solar PV water pumping system is pollution-free and requires little maintenance as compared to the diesel operated or electricity (AC) operated water pump sets.
Awareness programme on solar water pumping system provides information on solar energy, its benefits and applications. This programme provides a conceptual understanding of water pumps including solar PV water pumping system. The major components of solar PV water pumping system are also described in detail. A solar PV water pumping system requires very little operation and maintenance. However, the programmes give the basic elements of operation and maintenance (O&M) at farm level. The common precautions and safety measures to be taken during operation are also described.