Solar-powered Irrigation Research Articles

Strategic Management of Eco-Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Sustainability in Agro-Based Industries

Eco-innovation and emerging technologies are increasingly central to driving sustainability in agro-based industries. This study examines the impact of technological advancements on sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on innovations that reduce environmental impacts while enhancing productivity. According to the USDA, precision agriculture systems implemented in the Midwest show a 15-20% reduction in fertilizer use and a 10-15% increase in crop yields. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation in India, has led to a 30% decrease in energy costs and a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), as reported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Biotechnology applications, such as genetically modified drought-resistant crops, have reduced pesticide use by up to 37% while increasing crop resilience, according to a study published in Nature. This paper also explores the socio-environmental implications of these technologies, emphasizing the need for balanced development that integrates technological progress with ecological sustainability. Case studies from Brazil, India, and Kenya provide further insights into the successful implementation of these innovations. The findings suggest that leveraging emerging technologies in agro-based industries can significantly enhance sustainability, contributing to a more resilient and equitable human-environment relationship.

Eco Smart Solar Powered Irrigation System

Eco Smart Solar Powered Irrigation System

Does Renewable Energy (RE) Contribute to Rural Livelihood? Evidence from Nepal

This study examines the contribution of renewable energy (RE) on rural livelihoods in Nepal using a mixed-methods approach with the consideration of socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Data were gathered through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions across various local levels in Nepal. The findings indicate that the adoption of RE technologies, particularly solar energy, has significantly improved agricultural productivity, income levels, and overall living standards. Solar-powered irrigation systems have enabled farmers to increase crop yields, enhancing food security and income diversification. The study highlights the essential role of community involvement and local governance in the successful implementation and sustainability of RE projects. Despite the initial high costs of RE technologies, the long-term benefits, including reduced energy costs and enhanced environmental sustainability, outweigh these challenges. The reduction in the use of traditional biomass fuels has led to improved air quality and health outcomes in rural households. This research highlights the potential of renewable energy to transform rural livelihoods in Nepal, advocating for continued support and investment in RE initiatives to ensure sustainable development in remote and underserved regions.

GIS-based method for assessing the viability of solar-powered irrigation

To attain food security, sub-Saharan Africa needs to increase its use of irrigation to improve agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change-induced droughts and erratic rain patterns. Stand-alone solar-powered irrigation systems are a promising technology to power irrigation where grid electrification is unavailable. However, these systems’ economic viability and sustainability are affected by spatially varying factors such as climate, water availability, and solar potential, making it challenging to plan their roll-out. This study addresses the planning challenge by developing a novel open-source reproducible geospatial methodology to determine irrigation water demand, peak power demand, life cycle cost, and locations where solar-powered irrigation systems would be cheaper than alternative off-grid irrigation technologies. The method considers spatial–temporal data for meteorological conditions, soil quality, water distance and depth, solar resource potential, technology efficiency and local equipment and fuel costs. Maize cultivation in Kenya is taken as a case study to demonstrate the method. We find the median peak irrigation water demand in Kenya to be 65,000 l/ha/day and the median peak power demand to be 2.6 kW/ha. The levelized cost of solar-powered irrigation systems ranges from US$ 0.09/kWh to US$ 0.25/kWh, making solar irrigation cheaper than diesel-powered irrigation in all Kenyan regions. The results from the method offer valuable insights to governments, farmers and investors on where water use regulations are required for sustainable water use, where subsidies and innovative financial models are needed for the affordability of solar irrigation and where alternative uses of energy from the solar systems beyond irrigation are possible.

Bridging the gap: Analysis of systemic barriers to irrigation technology supply businesses in Ethiopia

This study examines the barriers faced by irrigation technology and service suppliers in Ethiopia, and their influence on business effectiveness. Data were collected from 42 firm owners and managers across 21 enterprises through online surveys, phone calls, and in-person interviews in August 2020. Additional insights were provided by 35 key informants. The study utilized a qualitative analysis of survey responses by employing narrative and triangulating information gathered from several actors in the irrigation technology supply chain. The results indicate that a range of barrier categories, including difficulties linked to business enablement, technology user behavior, and business capacity, significantly impede the development and success of small-scale irrigation technology enterprises in Ethiopia. More specifically, barriers include the increasing diffusion of substandard irrigation technology products, such as water lifting devices, and a scarcity of genuine spare parts, which present major obstacles for small-scale irrigation technology suppliers in Ethiopia. Insufficient user awareness regarding the importance of maintenance and repair services has led to frequent equipment failures, eroding consumer trust and demand for irrigation technologies. Additionally, limited access to market information and financial constraints, including foreign currency shortages, further hindered suppliers’ ambitions to increase the scale of their operations. More importantly, lengthy import processes and inefficient tax exemption systems increase equipment costs, impeding the adoption and dissemination of technologies, such as solar-powered irrigation pumps. Addressing these challenges is critical for improving the supply and effectiveness of irrigation technology in Ethiopia.

Design of novel IoT-based solar powered PV pumping systems for agricultural applications in diverse climatic zones of India

Irrigation is a crucial component of the agriculture industry. The gross domestic output of India is about 15 % derived from its farmers. Crop failure is common among farmers, primarily because of inadequate irrigation techniques and irregular power and water supplies. To begin with, a survey of farmers from various parts of India was undertaken in this regard, and the results indicated that most of them lacked an effective irrigation system. An inventive solar-powered irrigation system devised and deployed to address this problem includes an automated Internet of Things (IoT) system. This IoT system, which functions based on the moisture content of the soil, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the crops receive the right amount of water at the right time. Furthermore, the PV pumping system addresses irrigation issues in various Indian climate conditions, including composite, warm and humid, cold, moderate, hot, and dry. The locations chosen for these climate conditions are Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Bangalore in Karnataka, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Patna in Bihar, and Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh. Performance ratios range from 0.514 to 0.739, system and pump efficiencies from 61 % to 88.80 %, and 57.10 %–58.60 %, respectively.

Demonstration of the potential use of off-grid renewable energy in agricultural production in rural Uganda

Background As the world's consciousness of the threats posed by the current state of climate change and its related consequences on food security increase, several nations, including Uganda, have modified their long-term plans for the shift to low-carbon economies and provision of affordable off-grid renewable energy (RE) sources especially in rural areas. Methods Through a citizen science initiative, this study examined the adoption of off-grid renewable energy in agricultural production in rural Uganda, with a focus on solar, charcoal briquettes, and biogas technologies. The study employed a cross-sectional study design and combined qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data were collected through structured interviews with 1,068 households and 20 key informants. An in-depth review of case studies of RE use in agriculture was also done. Results All respondents embraced at least one RE technology, predominantly solar (92% of respondents), highlighting its widespread adoption. Women exhibited higher adoption rates, particularly in solar and charcoal briquettes usage. The diverse applications of RE in agriculture were evident ranging from solar-powered irrigation, drying of produce, brooding, to biogas digesters for fertilizer production. Benefits associated with RE implementation were multifaceted, including time savings, enhanced health and safety, income generation, and environmental sustainability. Despite these advantages, barriers such as high initial costs and limited awareness persist. Conclusions This study highlights the significant potential of off-grid renewable energy in agricultural production in rural Uganda. Widespread adoption and scale-up of RE technologies requires strong collaborations between government, non-government organisations and private actors to build community awareness, train community resource persons on operation and management, and provide financing for the acquisition of RE technologies.

Unpacking stakeholder perceptions on challenges for increasing adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems in India: A Q methodology study

Abstract Solar-powered irrigation systems (SPISs) are instruments for sustainable energy transition in agriculture. Despite the government of India's efforts, the adoption of SPIS has remained low. This paper uses the Q method to examine shared stakeholder views on the challenges of increasing SPIS adoption. The aim is to understand barriers to and drivers for SPIS adoption, and the necessary institutional setting to scale up adoption. To capture the discourse on challenges to SPIS adoption, a Q sample of 20 statements was extracted after stakeholder interviews and expert ratings. The statements were Q sorted by 22 respondents across SPIS stakeholder groups. Factor analysis identifies two distinct perspectives on constraints to expanding SPIS: (1) economic and financial barriers; and (2) institutional and governance challenges. This calls for re-framing SPIS from the incentive side of things and convergence across concerned implementing agencies.

Solar-powered irrigation in Nepal: implications for fossil fuel use and groundwater extraction

In recent years, use of solar-powered irrigation pumps (SIPs) has increased significantly in the agricultural plains (terai) of Nepal. Federal and local governments there have subsidized the pumps in an effort to expand irrigated agriculture using renewable energy. We use data from a cross-sectional survey of 656 farming households in the terai to examine how SIPs affect fossil fuel use and groundwater extraction. We find that most SIP users continued to use their fossil-fuel pumps, as very few completely replaced them with solar pumps. Farmers who received SIPs operated their irrigation pumps more hours than those who did not receive SIPs. Taken together, these findings suggest that groundwater use has increased, as SIP recipients ‘stack’ their pumps. We also find that solar pumps were more likely to be owned by richer households and those with better social networks than those who were poorer and had relative social disadvantage. As Nepal expands the use of solar pumps in agriculture, policy efforts may benefit from managing expectations about the carbon-mitigation potential of this technology, managing groundwater risks as SIP use expands, and making SIPs more inclusive.

Economic, equity, and political trade-offs in energy transition in irrigation in Bihar, India

Affordable and reliable energy is an important driver for improving access to irrigation in South Asia. Policies for improving electricity access and augmenting supply are likely to impact affordability and equity in irrigation access, especially in regions where agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. In this paper, we focus on the state of Bihar in eastern India to study trade-offs across economic, equity, and political dimensions of energy transition in irrigation. We argue that in the context of the nascent but steadily increasing solar-powered irrigation, a decentralised energy regime is techno-economically and socio-politically distinct from a conventional centralised grid supply. With different economic costs, governance issues, and varied incentives of stakeholders, there are significant trade-offs associated with the two pathways of energisation. We further assess the multidimensional trade-offs associated with the conventional ‘centralised’ and the modern ‘decentralised’ energy supply systems for irrigation to present a comprehensive understanding of the technical systems aiming to address economic development and livelihood security issues. We find that the life cycle costs (LCC) of centralised grid supply are not only higher than that of decentralised solar-powered irrigation (SIP) but also the LCC for grid supply has a high sensitivity to average cost to supply electricity (ACS). We also find that at lower pumping hours or lower average cost to supply (ACS), grid electricity is competitive compared to SIP, but with an increase in pumping hours, ACS or both, there is a considerable increase in the LCC of the grid connected pump, making SIP a more economical option. Furthermore, we augment the analysis using primary data on farmers to examine the economic, equity, and political trade-offs. By highlighting the complexities associated with the diffusion of decentralised energy solutions in irrigation, our findings provide useful insights for public policy related to energy transition in irrigation in India.

A STUDY ON MAKING SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEM ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AND SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE IN BANGLADESH

<p>Solar power is at the forefront of sustainable development discussions due to the global movement toward renewable energy. In Bangladesh, where agriculture is vital to the economy, sustainable irrigation is crucial. This thesis investigates the economic viability and socio-economic acceptability of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Bogra, Bangladesh. Several approaches have been proposed to make solar power irrigation in Bangladesh more profitable. High-value crops like summer tomatoes and hybrid vegetables highlight the economic benefits and increased profitability of solar-powered irrigation systems. Furthermore, it is imperative to decrease the expenses associated with these systems. Partnering with government agencies to make vital equipment affordable and accessible can achieve this goal. Researching new methods and localized production can also lower solar panel prices. A collaborative technique between marginal and large-scale farmers can help small-scale farmers afford solar power irrigation by distributing costs fairly. Government backing, expanded R&D, localized manufacture, training, and subsidies can also help solar-powered irrigation become economically sustainable. To improve socio-economic acceptability, solar power irrigation benefits must be promoted and communicated. Training, informed advertising, and successful case studies help build faith in the technology and motivate farmers to employ it. Community involvement and practical examples in Bogra can boost social approval as farmers see the benefits of solar-powered irrigation. Sharecroppers, a large part of Bangladesh's agricultural community, need subsidies or reasonable financing. This paper examines the economic viability and socio-economic acceptability of solar-powered irrigation systems in Bangladesh, specifically in Bogra. The goal is to sustainably enhance agriculture in the region by examining many options and strategic methods. This field addresses the critical need for environmentally friendly and sustainable irrigation solutions.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/lit/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Linking Sustainability and STEAM Education in Argentine Patagonia

Abstract This article presents design-based research to explore the potential of integrating STEAM education and the Sustainable Development Goals into a project-based learning experience to address the lack of access to water in Argentine Patagonia. The study, which was conducted at a rural school in the region of Patagonia, with 13-year-old students, focused on designing, constructing, and installing a solar-powered irrigation system. The article discusses benefits of combining project-based learning, mathematical modelling, and outdoor STEAM education to provide students with an engaging and comprehensive learning experience in STEM subjects. The authors highlight the need to restructure the school organisation to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to address real-life problems. It also emphasises the importance of contextual restrictions and how they can be used as didactic variables to motivate the use of rationality in problem-solving. Experience reports provide insights into STEAM-based education’s potential to foster students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Barriers to the uptake of solar-powered irrigation by smallholder farmers in sub-saharan Africa: A review

Irrigation expansion is critical for agricultural and rural development, food and nutrition security, and climate change adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Lack of accessible energy for irrigation development due to limited off- and on-grid infrastructure and the resulting dependence on costly fuel-based irrigation have been key inhibiting factors for irrigation expansion in the region. Off-grid solar-powered irrigation pumps (SIPs) can overcome many of the energy access and other challenges in the region, but their uptake has been slow. Given the nascent development of the solar irrigation sector in SSA, this paper combines a review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature with key informant interviews to identify systemic barriers to the adoption and growth of solar-powered irrigation. We identify uncovered risks, lack of incentives, and lack of capacity as the key factors limiting the adoption of solar-powered irrigation. Moreover, despite significant global cost reductions, solar-powered irrigation systems remain costly in SSA due to limited market development and geographical constraints. Lack of regulation and low investment in building local institutions and value chains further affect uptake and inhibit leveraging the energy transition for ensuring food security and agriculture-led poverty alleviation in SSA. We propose a move away from thinking of SIPs as “silver bullets” and towards a systems approach and the design of context-specific solutions to address risks, incentives and capacity challenges.

Integration of Solar Energy in Agriculture Leads to Green Energy and Golden Crop Production

The incorporation of solar energy in agriculture presents a multitude of advantageous economic and environmental outcomes. This chapter examines the basic principles of solar energy, including its mechanisms and many technologies. The text explores practical implementations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, climate regulation in greenhouses, and solar-powered farm machinery. The potential of advanced technology such as agrivoltaics, solar-powered sensors, and vertical farming with solar integration is being investigated to optimize land usage, improve precision farming, and promote resource efficiency. The economic feasibility of utilizing solar energy in agriculture is proven by doing a comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits, while also taking into account any available incentives. The focus is on the environmental benefits, such as the reduction of carbon emissions and the conservation of resources. Case studies from prominent nations and local examples of achievement demonstrate the wide range of uses for solar-integrated agriculture. Promising future possibilities encompass the development of advanced solar technology and improved efficiency.

PERANCANGAN SOLAR IRRIGATION PUMP DENGAN SISTEM SOLAR TRACKER DI SUBAK MALIKODA

Water is a fundamental necessity for agricultural land and can be obtained from various sources depending on its geographical location. The Keliki Village Farmers Group in Subak Malikoda faces the challenge of drought, leading to a shortage of water supply during the dry season. In this research, the Solar Irrigation Pump (SIP) is designed with a solar tracker system to pump groundwater with the aim of enhancing irrigation water supply for Subak Malikoda during the dry season. The design of the solar-powered irrigation pump system consists of an 18.5 kW submersible pump coupled with a 23.1 kWp PV system using 60 monocrystalline solar modules equipped with a solar tracker and utilizing a 30 kW inverter. Based on the conducted analysis, the PVSyst results show that the SIP without a solar tracker can operate for 6,067 hours with an average water discharge of 274.9 m3/day, based on the received global effective irradiation of 1765.1 kWh/m2 in one year. However, with the use of the solar tracker system, the pump can operate for 6,933 hours with a water discharge of 305.2 m3/day and global effective irradiation of 1963.8 kWh/m2 in one year. The results of the analysis conclude that the SIP with a solar tracker system is capable of operating optimally and meeting the water discharge requirements of Subak Malikoda. This positions the solar tracker system as an effective solution in enhancing the water supply for Subak Malikoda during the dry season.

RANCANG BANGUN PROTOTIPE PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA SURYA DENGAN SOLAR TRACKER SYSTEM BERBASIS IOT

Water is an essential requirement for agricultural land and can be obtained from various sources depending on its geographical location. The Keliki Village Farmers Group in Subak Malikoda faces the challenge of drought, resulting in a shortage of water supply during the dry season. In this research, a Solar Irrigation Pump (SIP) with a solar tracker system is designed to pump groundwater with the aim of enhancing irrigation water supply for Subak Malikoda during the dry season. The solar-powered irrigation pump system design consists of an 18.5 kW submersible pump coupled with a 23.1 kWp PV system using 60 monocrystalline solar modules equipped with a solar tracker and a 30 kW inverter. Based on the analysis conducted, the PVSyst results for the SIP without a solar tracker show that the pump can operate for 6,067 hours with an average water discharge of 274.9 m3/day. This is based on the received global effective irradiation of 1765.1 kWh/m2 in one year. However, with the use of the solar tracker system, the pump can operate for 6,933 hours with a water discharge of 305.2 m3/day and global effective irradiation of 1963.8 kWh/m2 in one year. The analysis concludes that the SIP with a solar tracker system can operate optimally and fulfill the water discharge requirements of Subak Malikoda. This makes the solar tracker system an effective solution to enhance the water supply for Subak Malikoda during the dry season.

Unleashing the potential of solar irrigation in Bangladesh: key lessons from different implementation models

The transition to solar-powered irrigation in South Asia offers an opportunity to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependency on expensive diesel. However, appropriate institutional and financial models are required to scale up this technology. Three different solar irrigation pump (SIP) implementation modalities coexist in Bangladesh, providing a good opportunity to evaluate and gain insightful knowledge on the solarization process. These conclusions are also applicable to neighboring countries dealing with comparable problems. The three models are (i) community-managed SIP model, (ii) individual ownership model, and (iii) fee-for-service model. In this article, we argue that the fee-for-service model involving a market-based approach and public-private partnership is the most promising in terms of addressing two main challenges in solarization, i.e. high capex financing requirement and generation of sufficient demand. In terms of achieving equity in SIP access and groundwater sustainability, all three models have their respective pros and cons. However, the financial sustainability of SIPs is under threat due to the significant project costs. It is imperative to expedite the integration of SIPs with the national power grid while implementing supportive government policies. This includes enhancing buy-back tariffs and introducing net-metering options to ensure long-term sustainability.

Simulating Potential Impacts of Solar MajiPump on the Economy and Nutrition of Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Humid Ethiopia

Irrigation is widely considered a potential means to improve agricultural productivity, nutrition, and income, as farmers can carry out farming and production year-round. However, the feasibility of irrigation technologies is highly dependent on the long-term economic return farmers achieve. Solar-based irrigation could address the challenges of underinvestment in irrigation within Africa. Evidence on the economic viability of the adopted solar pumps such as MajiPump is very scant and focused on ex post evaluation. This study evaluated the income and nutritional feasibility of solar-powered irrigation using the MajiPump in sub-humid Ethiopian highlands using the farm simulation (FARMSIM) model and compared it with the manual pulley system. Results from the FARMSIM model show that farmers’ adoption of Maji solar pump technology to grow vegetables is economically feasible with financial support such as credit or loan for initial and capital investment to acquire the pump. The average profit under the solar MajiPump, drip irrigation, and conservation agriculture was 3.6 times higher than that of the baseline scenario. While the pulley technology provides the same amount of irrigation water to grow vegetables, its feasibility is limited due to high labor costs and time, estimated to be more than seven times the baseline. The simulation results show that the alternative scenarios’ nutrition level has improved relative to other scenarios and met the minimum daily average nutrition requirement level for proteins, iron, and vitamin A but fell short in fat, calcium, and calories. The results suggest that farmers who adopt improved small-scale irrigation technologies (solar MajiPump and drip system) have a higher potential to increase production and income from irrigated crops and improve their nutrition if part of the income generated is used to purchase supplemental food for their nutrition.

Does Solar-Powered Irrigation System Usage Increase the Technical Efficiency of Crop Production? New Insights from Rural Areas

Fossil fuel and electricity-powered irrigation techniques boost the water availability expense and increase greenhouse gas emissions. Especially in developing countries, solar-powered irrigation is becoming more popular as a response to the growing energy and environmental issues associated with agriculture systems. The existing study used data from 1080 wheat farmers in Balochistan, Pakistan, to investigate the impact of solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) usage on the technical efficiency (TE) of wheat production. The TE of wheat production is estimated using a stochastic frontier production function, and the potential self-selectivity bias is addressed using an endogenous switching regression model. The findings indicated that 13.7% of the wheat cultivators assessed used SPISs to produce their crops. Using an endogenous switching regression model shows that SPIS usage increases the TE of wheat growers by 6.657%, after controlling for self-selection bias. While using SPISs, wheat farmers with large farms and farming familiarity had stronger positive effects on TE. The results highlight the need for more investigation and research into evidence-based good practice for SPIS solutions at the site level to ensure that the rollout of modern equipment not only drives the energy sector forward but also contributes significantly to our level playing field and sustainable environment.

Continental-scale assessment of micro-pumped hydro energy storage using agricultural reservoirs

The transition to low-carbon power systems necessitates cost-effective energy storage solutions. This study provides the first continental-scale assessment of micro-pumped hydro energy storage and proposes using agricultural reservoirs (farm dams) to significantly reduce construction costs. The continent of Australia is used as a representative case study for other arid and temperate regions internationally. From a new survey of its 1.7 million farm dams, we identified 30,295 promising pumped hydro sites in dam-to-dam and dam-to-river reservoir configurations. The average site had nearby reservoirs (132 m) with a high head height (32 m) and substantial discharge capacity (52 kWh). We then benchmarked a representative micro-pumped hydro site to a commercially available lithium-ion battery for a solar-powered irrigation system. Despite a low discharge efficiency (68%), pumped hydro storage was 30% less expensive (0.215 USD/kWh) for larger single-cycle loads (∼41 kWh/day) due to its high storage capacity. By capitalising on existing farm dams, micro-pumped hydro energy storage may support the uptake of reliable, low-carbon power systems in agricultural communities.