About 58% of the Indian population depends on agriculture as a primary income source, and it contributes to 18% of India’s GDP. However, the unpredictable changes in climate conditions and soil health due to various reasons are leading to less efficient output from traditional agricultural methods.
Since last decade, when the focus was more on finding clean energy alternatives, solar energy stood out with various long-term benefits. It was introduced in the agricultural ecosystem in the late 90s, presenting numerous opportunities for sustainable farming techniques. One such possibility was solar water pumps. This article will dive deep into solar water pump systems in India.
What are Solar Pumps?
Solar pumps work on a similar principle of solar energy conversion. It is an electrical system that converts sunlight into electricity required to power the motors using photovoltaic (PV) cells. It is a proactive solution to improve food security and community wellness.
In 1992, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced a solar pumping programme in India. It is a subsidy scheme that provides CFA of up to 7.5 HP solar water pumps.
Below are the components of the solar-powered water pump system in India,
- Solar Panels: Also called the PV system, it absorbs the sun’s rays within solar panels and converts them into direct current (DC) electricity.
- Inverter: Converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. This is used to operate pumps.
- Water Pump Motor: It takes away water from any available water source that can be utilised for irrigation, household, or other purposes.
- Water Tank: To store excess water to be used during less efficient times.
- Pipe & Pipe Controllers: The pipe will transport the water from the original source to the respective destination, a holding tank, purification system, etc. However, the pump controllers regulate the water pump to switch it on and off.
Benefits of Using Solar Water Pumps for Agriculture
Solar water pumping promotes cost-effective alternatives for transforming energy to generate electricity. It is widely gaining popularity in rural areas that have issues with water and electricity shortages. Solar water pumps simplify water extraction in these areas, making water irrigation more sustainable.
Here are how solar panels are revolutionising the Indian agricultural ecosystem,
Eco-friendly
It decreases adverse environmental impact and expands the horizons of farming, which in turn increases income. Since solar energy is a renewable source, it contributes to the reduction of toxic gas emissions, and it looks forward to sustainable agriculture practices in India.
Cost-effective and Economical
With growing advancements, the cost of PV system panels has dropped significantly, making it affordable for farmers. Though the initial instalments require effort, long-term savings on fuel will overshadow the initial investment.
Easy Maintain and Access in Remote Areas
Solar water pumps have very few mechanical parts and can last for many years without any maintenance. Since solar energy is a predictable energy source, no external power assistance is required, which means it can work well in different regions and geographies, including remote areas.
Reliable and Easy to Install
Solar pumps are the most reliable energy source as they don’t require electricity and are easy to install because of the very few components they have. It can be installed easily by a local person with a basic understanding.
Increased Productivity
One of the significant benefits of solar pumps is their increased productivity. Since it is not highly dependent on water or electricity, which is a primary concern in various rural areas of India, solar pumps save time and help them make time for other productive activities.
Why are Solar Pumps Important?
In many aspects, solar pumps have completely changed India’s agricultural landscape. With solar-powered water pumps, many rural communities with limited access to water or electricity are now reaping benefits in various ways.
Here are six primary applications of solar pumps in agricultural methods,
Drinking Water Supply
Solar pumps offer a sustainable solution for drinking water requirements in rural areas with limited access to clean water.
Rainwater Harvesting
The water tank instilled with solar pumps serves as a safe alternative to save the harvested rainwater.Â
Livestock Watering
Ensuring livestock well-being and agricultural productivity with adequate access to water for livestock.
Aquaculture
Solar pumps help facilitate water circulation while ensuring optimal farming conditions for fish and shrimp farming.
Irrigation
Efficient sources to draw water to farmlands from rivers, ponds, wells, and other sources while also ensuring adequate moisture levels to promote crop growth.
Drip Irrigation
Since solar pumps can power drip irrigation systems, they can ensure precise water distribution, optimising water usage and minimising wastage.
Types of Solar Pumps Used for Agriculture
Depending on factors such as land size, crop type, and water source, there are four different types of solar water pumps in India. They focus highly on adaptability, reliability, and efficiency, catering to specific agricultural needs in India.
Below are the four types of solar-powered agricultural water pumps,
- AC Pumps: Usually operate connected to solar system or grid; offer higher efficiency and capacity for large-scale agricultural operation
- DC Pumps: Used in off-grid areas that convert solar energy into water pum[ping with an inverter.
- Surface Pumps: Draw water from shallow sources like rivers or ponds; efficient for small-scale farming
- Submersible Pumps: Operate in wells; efficient for large-scale farming and deeper water resources.
Though it’s been only a few years since the launch of solar pumps in India, solar-powered water pumps are expected to boost India’s solar by 2022 mission of 100 GW capacity. To maximise the impact, the Government of India has launched the ‘Jal Shakti Ministry’, a department that focuses only on clean water and water resource management.
