Economic Viability of Solar Irrigation Pumps: A Comparative Life Cycle Cost Analysis with Diesel and Electric Pumps

Abstract

In the present scenario viability of an irrigation pump is of extreme significance to set up it and get the sought after output in a more economic and better way. In this study investigation has been done about the economic viability of solar irrigation pump against the diesel and electric irrigation pump through the life cycle cost analysis. In LCC analysis, capital cost, future maintenance cost and replacement cost are converted to present worth value considering inflation rate and discount rate during its total life cycle. Annualized life cycle cost (ALCC) of solar irrigation pump has been further compared with grid connected electric and diesel irrigation pump. The results revealed that the annualized life cycle cost (ALCC) of solar irrigation pump is lower than grid connected electric and diesel irrigation pump. E.g., The ALCC of solar irrigation pump was estimated at 12383/year and 15435/year for 3 HP and 5 HP pump respectively, which is significantly leave behind electric pumps, which boast ALCC figures of 61641/year and 82371/year for 3 HP and 5 HP pumps. In the same way, when related to diesel irrigation pumps with ALCC values of 85891/year and 136088/year for 3 HP and 5 HP pumps respectively, the economic superiority of solar irrigation pumps becomes abundantly clear. . It has also been observed that the capital cost for solar irrigation pump is higher than grid connected electric and diesel irrigation pump. However, the maintenance cost and replacement cost are lower in case of solar. The comparison shows that the solar irrigation pump was more viable than the connected electric and diesel irrigation pump.