Solar water pumps for small scale farmers

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Introduction 

It is correctly stated that the use of solar energy is increasing day by day due to its production of cheap electricity. People are shifting to renewable sources of energy and moving towards a sustainable future. A solar water pump is a kind of pump that is run by electricity produced from solar panels. Solar water pumps are efficient to use as they have low maintenance and are easy to install. Solar water pumps are heavily used in rural areas, farms, and remote locations where there are electricity issues. Solar water pumps are used for different purposes and are really helpful for small-scale farmers. There are different types of solar water pumps that are available in the market, each having distinct features and unique uses. This article provides a general overview of the use of solar water pumps for small-scale farmers.

Different types of solar water pumps 

There are different types of solar water pumps available in the market for fulfilling the different needs of the farmers. Initially, water pumps rely on electricity or fuel to pump water, but due to the introduction of solar water pumps, there is a huge shift to an eco-friendly and environment-conscious approach to pumping water. These solar water pumps are:

Submersible solar water pump: This kind of pump is used in large wells and is completely submerged in the water. A submersible solar water pump is used by pushing the water towards the surface instead of pulling it. These pumps push the water in sunlight during the entire day, and the water is stored in tanks and can be used when required. Submersible solar pumps are best used for irrigation, well pumping, livestock watering, etc.

Surface solar pumps: Surface solar pumps are used to pump water from shallow wells, rivers, and lakes. These pumps are designed to operate on the surface of the water and are one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to pumping water. 

DC Solar Pump: These solar pumps are used in small-scale operations such as livestock management, water supply, etc. These pumps are powered by the solar panels and use direct current to operate. These pumps do not require any batteries or inverters to operate, as they run on photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, which runs the motor and pump. 

AC Solar Pump: The AC Solar Pump used alternating current rather than direct current. They are also powered by photovoltaic panels, which convert the sunlight into electricity and run the motor and pump. These pumps are suitable for agriculture, irrigation, and water supply purposes.

Usage of solar water pump

There are various applications of solar water pumps, which are very beneficial for small-scale farmers. Solar water pumps are best suited for irrigation in farms and used for water treatment applications. These pumps are eco-friendly and environmentally conscious and the best alternative to traditional pump systems, which rely on fuel and electricity. Solar water pumps are heavily used to power waterfalls, lakes, and rivers in landscapes and gardens. Solar water pumps can also run well pumps and also work at night if the batteries are attached to the solar panels. 

Importance of solar water pumps for small-scale farmers 

In recent times, there has been a great shift to solar-powered water pumps for irrigation and farming purposes. Solar water pumps play an important role in increasing the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems. Small-scale farmers are benefited by solar water pumps because it provides water to crops and farms during dry spells and on times when there is no electricity. 

Small-scale farmers do not need to rely on expensive methods to irrigate the farm like traditional pump systems, which rely on electricity and fuel. Small-scale farmers can directly pump the water from the well with the help of solar power panels. The most important advantage of solar water pumps to small-scale farmers is that their operational costs are lower as compared to traditional irrigation methods and offer financial advantage to small-scale farmers.

Solar water pumps have increased productivity as they improve crop yield and quality. Solar water pumps are beneficial for small-scale farmers as they can be easily changed or modified to meet changing irrigation needs of the farm. Small-scale farmers benefit in the long run due to the installation of solar water pumps in the farm, as it has a low operating cost. Solar water pumps are best suited to meeting the needs of irrigation at remote locations where there is no access to electricity. 

Small-scale farmers can also benefit from solar water pumps, as the maintenance cost is relatively low as compared to traditional water pumps. It also reduces the electricity bills as farmers rely on free solar energy. Solar water pumps ensure a steady and continuous water supply in remote and rural areas and can function well when there are power cuts. Solar water pumps are also durable and long-lasting, as they usually have a lifespan of more than 25 years with very low maintenance. 

Limitation of solar water pumps 

There are also some limitations of solar water pumps, as they cannot work in extreme weather conditions. If the solar water pump is without battery, it cannot work at night and can effectively work only during sunlight. The installation cost of a solar water pump is comparatively high compared to traditional electric pumps. To work effectively, solar water pumps require a water storage tank and battery. A continuous supply of solar energy is required to pump to work in an efficient manner. 

Conclusion 

Solar water pumps are worked on photovoltaic panels, which convert the sunlight into electricity, which is used to run the motor and other systems. There are different types of solar water pumps based on functionality and current basis. Solar water pumps have both advantages and limitations, so an individual should know about both the pros and cons of solar water pumps to make an informed decision. Solar water pumps are beneficial for small-scale farmers as they provide electricity in remote areas or rural areas where there are high power cuts and no electricity.