An economic analysis of photovoltaic water pumping irrigation systems

ABSTRACT Irrigation using the photovoltaic water pumping (PVWP) systems represents a sustainable and attractive solution, which can combat Chinese grassland desertification and promote a sustainable development of the agricultural sector. This paper investigates the economics of PVWP systems taking into consideration the effects of the key components on the initial capital cost (ICC), life cycle cost (LCC), and revenues. Sensitivity analyses are conducted regarding the crop yield and price, cost of photovoltaic modules, and system components included in the ICC. Results show that the cost of the PVWP system is the most sensitive parameter affecting the ICC under the assumptions made, especially the cost of the PV modules; whereas, the crop production and price affect the net present value (NPV) and payback period (PBP) clearly. The PVWP has surplus power output when the crop water demand is low or it is non-irrigation season. The potential benefit from selling the surplus electricity is also discussed. In addition, the indirect benefits of carbon sequestration and CO2 emission reduction by applying PVWP systems are addressed in this paper.

[1]  Pete Smith,et al.  'Agriculture', in Climate change 2007: mitigation , 2007 .

[2]  Ben Brahim Ammar,et al.  Prediction of Hourly Flow Rate of a Photovoltaic Water Pumping System in the Desert of Tunisia , 2012 .

[3]  Steve Twomlow,et al.  On farm evaluation of the effect of low cost drip irrigation on water and crop productivity compared to conventional surface irrigation system , 2005 .

[4]  Jeff Kenna,et al.  Solar water pumping: a handbook. , 1984 .

[5]  Fahu Chen,et al.  Desertification in China: An assessment , 2008 .

[6]  A. Hamidat,et al.  Modelling photovoltaic water pumping systems and evaluation of their CO2 emissions mitigation potential , 2010 .

[7]  Jinyue Yan,et al.  Feasibility evaluation of solar photovoltaic pumping irrigation system based on analysis of dynamic variation of groundwater table , 2013 .

[8]  Pietro Elia Campana,et al.  Dynamic modelling of a pv pumping system with special consideration on water demand , 2013 .

[9]  Z. Jing,et al.  Effect of Irrigation on Vegetation Production and Biodiversity on Grassland , 2012 .

[10]  Iea Pvps.  Policy Recommendations to Improve the Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Systems Based on the Experience with Conventional and Photovoltaic Pumping Systems INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS PROGRAMME Policy Recommendations to Improve the Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Sy , 2012 .

[11]  Jure Margeta,et al.  A model for optimal sizing of photovoltaic irrigation water pumping systems , 2007 .

[12]  Jinlong Ma.  On-grid electricity tariffs in China: Development, reform and prospects , 2011 .

[13]  V. Rich.  Personal communication , 1989, Nature.

[14]  Pallav Purohit.  Financial evaluation of renewable energy technologies for irrigation water pumping in India , 2007 .

[15]  J. Burney,et al.  Smallholder Irrigation as a Poverty Alleviation Tool in Sub-Saharan Africa , 2012 .

[16]  A. D. Papatsoris,et al.  The economics of photovoltaic stand-alone residential households: A case study for various European and Mediterranean locations , 2000 .

[17]  Yingdong Yu,et al.  Assess the potential of solar irrigation systems for sustaining pasture lands in arid regions – A case study in Northwestern China , 2011 .

[18]  P. Eng.  CO2 emissions from fuel combustion: highlights , 2009 .

[19]  M. EL-Shimy.  Sizing optimisation of stand-alone photovoltaic generators for irrigation water pumping systems , 2013 .

[20]  F. Wagner,et al.  Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry , 2003 .

[21]  N. Argaw,et al.  Renewable Energy for Water Pumping Applications In Rural Villages; Period of Performance: April 1, 2001--September 1, 2001 , 2003 .

[22]  Yan-sui Liu,et al.  Accelerated restructuring in rural China fueled by 'increasing vs. decreasing balance' land-use policy for dealing with hollowed villages , 2012 .

[23]  Jinyue Yan,et al.  Feasibility analysis of solar irrigation system for pastures conservation in a demonstration area in Inner Mongolia , 2013 .

[24]  Brian Norton,et al.  Economic viability of photovoltaic water pumping systems , 2006 .

[25]  Poul Alberg Østergaard,et al.  A comparison of diesel, biodiesel and solar PV-based water pumping systems in the context of rural Nepal , 2014 .

[26]  S. Mathew.  Wind Energy: Fundamentals, Resource Analysis and Economics , 2006 .

[27]  Sunita Kolhe,et al.  Economic viability of stand-alone solar photovoltaic system in comparison with diesel-powered system for India , 2002 .

[28]  Tsuyoshi Akiyama,et al.  Grassland degradation in China: Methods of monitoring, management and restoration , 2007 .