The state of the art of commercially available small-scale photovoltaic pumping systems

This paper describes the state of the art of small-scale photovoltaic pumping systems currently commercially available, and is based upon the response to a call for tenders issued in January, 1982 as part of a UNDP/World Bank project. The longer term aim of the project is to develop solar powered water pumps for irrigation and water supply use in developing countries. The paper describes the various technical approaches offered by the tenderers and the criteria established for assessing the merits and demerits of the various systems. The paper concludes with a brief resume of the systems selected for testing.