Abstract
This paper summarises the current status, in terms of technical performance and economic viability, of photovoltaic water pumping. This is based on eight years of practical experience. It is concluded that technical problems have been largely overcome, although because photovoltaic pumps are not yet in widespread use, there is a need for improved routine system selection and provision of maintenance back-up. Photovoltaic pump costs are currently $8 to $20/Wp F.O.B. and installed costs are typically $10 to $20/Wp. A typical system to pump 20 m3/day through 20m head (for a design solar irradiation of 5 kWh/m2/day) as may be used for village water supply, now costs approximately $8800 F.O.B. A portable solar pump for irrigation to pump 60 m3/day though 2 m head now costs $3000 – $5500 F.O.B.
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References
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© 1987 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luxembourg
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McNelis, B. (1987). Photovoltaic Water Pumping — A 1986 Update. In: Goetzberger, A., Palz, W., Willeke, G. (eds) Seventh E.C. Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3817-5_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3817-5_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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