5 Best Solar Irrigation System

PV cells are utilized to generate electricity in the trial of a solar irrigation system, and that energy is stored in rechargeable batteries. The energy generated by the batteries is used to power the system. A water pump is used to transport water from a bore well to a storage tank. This article examines solar irrigation system along with the objectives of solar irrigation systems and much more.

The Best Solar Irrigation System

Solar power is increasingly being used for irrigation purposes. Many companies have also discovered the potential of solar irrigation systems. These are a few great solar irrigation systems in the market-

1. Solariver Solar Water Pump Starter Kit

Solariver was founded when a small landscaping company in California wanted to use solar energy to power its operations. Its non-toxic submersible water pump is the best eco-friendly alternative for your next outdoor project. It can transport larger amounts of water. But its only downside is that it doesn’t have a battery, it can only be used during the day.

2. Eco-Worthy Solar Fountain Water Pump Kits

Eco-Worthy has been producing solar products since 2002 and is a market leader in the solar industry. This submersible water pump not only has high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, but it also advertises simple installation for your backyard waterfall, garden fountain, greenhouse, and birdbath projects. It has one year warranty period and has a minimal price. You can simply install it yourself. But it also doesn’t have any battery and can only be used during the day. It also has no dry-run protection.

3. Watt Solar Panel Fountain Pump by Viajero

The Viajero 3W solar panel fountain pump is ideal for little backyard projects. This submersible pump is designed exclusively for bird baths of all sizes, with adjustable flow rates and spray heights of up to two feet. It has 7 spray heads and nozzles and a warranty period of 18 months. It also comes at a low price point. However, its downside is that it’s not appropriate for larger projects. It doesn’t have any battery and can only be used during the day.

4. Siyibaeby Water Pump

SIYIBAEBY is another low-cost solar-powered water pump for tiny DIY garden projects. This floating pump includes six replaceable nozzles, allowing customers to personalize their bird bath, fish tank, or aquarium project. It has a warranty period of one year and it comes with 6 spray heads and nozzles. Its con is that it’s not appropriate for larger projects.

5. Solar Water Pump Kit AEO 10W

AEO is a well-known brand of solar-powered water pumps. This 10W solar fountain pump has a great flow rate to power bigger fountain projects and is ideal for fish ponds, hydroponics, and aquaponics. It has a competitive price point. This plant is ideal for small ponds, hydroponics, and aquaponics. But its cons are that it doesn’t have dry-run protection and it can only be used during the day.

What is a Solar Irrigation System? How Does a Solar Irrigation System Work?

Solar irrigation system-powered water pumping can be used in municipal water supply, livestock irrigation, and irrigation. A solar-powered irrigation system is a type of solar-powered water pumping system that is used in paddy fields and gardens to water plants, vegetables, and other plants.

Working Principle of solar irrigation system: The operation of a solar irrigation system is straightforward. A solar generator powers an electric motor pump, which pumps water directly into an irrigation system or into an elevated reservoir. Solar irrigation systems’ fundamental design criteria are minimal maintenance, maximum dependability, and resource efficiency. The fact that it does not require a battery backup is a distinguishing feature. This is advantageous because batteries are labor-intensive, expensive, and must be replaced on a regular basis. And that is how does a solar irrigation system work.

The solar-powered irrigation system is comprised of three major components:

• Motor pump: The pump’s motor is powered by electricity generated by the solar panel. The voltage of the solar pump motor can be AC or DC depending on the kind of motor.
• Pump controller: Pump controllers are classified into two types: inverter and variable frequency drive (VFD). When using an AC solar pump, an inverter is required to convert the DC from the solar panels to AC.
• The Solar Panel: The pumps are outfitted with motors that are powered by solar PV arrays.

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What are the Objectives of Solar Irrigation System?

The objectives of the solar irrigation system are:

• The solar irrigation system has the potential to cut GHG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions) from irrigated agriculture while also enabling low-emission irrigation development.
• Solar irrigation systems can provide a dependable source of energy in remote places, help rural electrification, and minimize irrigation energy expenditures.
• Solar irrigation systems should be integrated into robust water conservation regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable use of water resources and avoid over-abstraction of groundwater.
• Solar irrigation systems have a significant initial investment cost and require new finance approaches (or subsidies) to overcome this adoption barrier.

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What is Solar Irrigation System Price? Which Motor is Used in Solar Irrigation System?

When looking for a solar-powered irrigation controller, it is critical to understand your needs and what equipment will best meet them. A product feature checklist can assist in overcoming post-purchase dissonance. Solar irrigation timers cost anywhere between $30 and $50 on Amazon. The solar-powered irrigation controllers will cost anywhere from $120-$150.

Based on the output voltage types, either AC/DC motors can be used for solar irrigation systems. In the case of AC motors, you’ll find that mostly BLDC motors are in use in such irrigation systems.

Also See: How to Use Solar Panel Directly Without Battery?

What is Solar Powered Auto Irrigation System? Where is Solar Irrigation Used?

The auto irrigation system is very important in agriculture. It is critical in agriculture to maintain the water level or wetness of the soil. Excessive or insufficient water can harm plant growth, causing farmers to lose money. The proposed system is designed to address this issue. This technology monitors the moisture level in the soil and keeps it within acceptable limits. A moisture sensor can be used to measure the level of moisture. The water pump turns on or off based on the amount of moisture monitored.

As we all know, manually controlling a water pump in the agricultural field is really tough. To turn it on and off, one must go to the fields. Villagers regularly lack electricity in areas where electricity is a major issue. Solar energy is employed in the situation to power water pumps. The solar charge controller is used in this sort of irrigation system to store DC power from solar panels in batteries. This battery is used to automatically supply electricity to water pumps.

The Solar Power Automatic Irrigation System operates in direct sunlight. When the sun shines on the water, the pumping operation is an efficient way to utilize solar energy during the summer, when the demand for water is greatest. The water pump employed will provide a dependable water source for the crop. The ability of any solar-powered water pumping system to drive water is determined by three variables: pressure, power, and pressure. This solar powered auto irrigation system makes use of these crucial components-

1. The Solar Panel: Solar panels are made of solar cells made of semiconductor materials. The primary function of a solar panel is to convert solar energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy (generally of 12V). The number and size of cells required are determined by the load rating. The group of solar cells can produce the most electricity. However, the solar panel must be placed precisely at an angle to the sun’s rays.

2. The Source: Drilled wells, springs, ponds, rivers, and other water sources are available.

3. The Photovoltaic Panels: The PV (photovoltaic) cells are mostly determined by the size of the water pump. A panel’s power output is measured in watts. This system should be tested using a capacity PV array and quantified under normal test settings. To provide the required photovoltaic power array power o/p, a suitable number of modules in series and parallel could be used. Under typical test conditions, the o/p power of the PV modules employed in the PV array must be at least 74 watts peak.

4. Battery: It’s used to store solar energy and its usage depends on the load requirement.

5. Charge Controller: It’s an essential device for any solar-power system. Its job is to maintain the correct charging voltages of the battery. It controls the current and voltage from the solar panel. It charges the battery. Additionally, it also stops the battery charging from under-voltage and over-voltage situations.

6. Inverter: Its main function is to convert the voltage of the battery to AC voltage. This is done in order to start the loads and it helps run several electronic devices.

7. Power Supply: It comprises a voltage regulator, a step-down transformer, and a bridge rectifier.

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What are the Advantages of Solar Irrigation System?

The advantages of solar irrigation are-

1. It enhances grid security: Solar energy protects the grid better than traditional electricity. Power outages are often mitigated in networks with distributed power plants. As a result, solar energy plays an important role in protecting the grid in the event of a natural disaster.

2. An excellent substitute for electricity: An unplanned power outage is extremely inconvenient for farmers who rely on energy for farming. The reason for this is that it works on a free and endless supply of energy, namely sunshine, and the system is also quite uncomplicated and simple to operate.

3. Lower maintenance costs: Solar energy costs less than electricity or fossil fuels. Fuel prices are always fluctuating. As a result, solar energy is more economical than other energy sources, particularly for small-scale farmers. Countries without oil reserves can benefit from this solar irrigation method.

4. Multipurpose application: Solar energy can be used for a variety of purposes in the irrigation system. Its excess energy can be used to power water filtration plants, mills, and cold storage units, among other things. Farmers can also sell excess power to the power company by connecting it to the power grid.

5. Solar energy is environmentally friendly: The solar energy irrigation system keeps the corps in the field well-watered every day. Solar energy, unlike other energy sources such as coal and biogas, does not emit greenhouse gases, lessening the harmful impacts on the ozone layer and the general environment.

6. Self-regulated irrigation system: Advances in solar-powered irrigation systems have made the system very self-regulated for the land, based on crop water requirements, environmental circumstances, and water availability.

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What are the Disadvantages of Solar Irrigation?

The disadvantages of solar irrigation are-

• High material and installation expenses and a lengthy ROI.
• There is no solar power at night, so a huge battery bank is required.
• As its efficiency is not yet at 100%, it requires a great deal of area.
• Devices that operate directly on DC power are more expensive.
• Solar panels are not manufactured on a large scale due to a lack of materials and technologies that would allow for cost reductions.
• In order to generate the same amount of energy, the size of solar panels varies depending on their geographic location.
• Solar-powered devices are slower and less powerful than conventional gas-powered vehicles.
• Reduced output during the cold months and cloudy days.

Solar energy is abundant and cost-free during the dry season when crops require the most water for irrigation. Farmers who efficiently utilize this free energy by pumping water to the fields with the help of solar irrigation system into elevated tanks during the day when the sun is at its strongest can reap enormous benefits.

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