Evaluation of solar powered irrigation systems in Palestine: Feasibility and social and environmental impact

Abstract

This paper evaluates solar powered irrigation systems in Palestine. This practice is mainly to promote the use of these systems as currently there are only three such system in Palestine. The evaluation is done based on technical, financial, social and environmental aspects. The technical evaluation is done based on actual system's performance. Meanwhile, social impact study is conducted based on focus group discussion and questionnaire. Results show that a 1 kWp of photovoltaic panels can pump up to 1.5 m3 of water per hour at a cost of USD 0.025 per m3. This pumping rate is subject to a surface distance pumping up to 1500 meters with a collecting pond depth of up to 8 meters, and system's life time of 20 years. Meanwhile, the capital cost of such a system is found to be USD 1754 per kWp. On the other hand, the conducted social impact study shows that 70% of farmers believed that the government did not encourage investment in this area. Meanwhile, 50% of farmers believed that using solar powered irrigation systems had increased their income by 10% to 30%, while 56% of farmers were able to hire new workers after using the system. Finally it is concluded that solar powered irrigation systems have low impact on environment subject to not using fertile land for installation.