Awareness Programme on Solar Water Pumping System Starts 1st January 2023

In recent years, the application of solar energy has consistently increased as a renewable and green source of energy. It has become the need of the hour due to the diminishing availability of fossil fuels and environmental problems. Its potential is high due to its abundance, and the energy unit cost is decreasing due to advances in harnessing technology.

Its use and support among farmers are also increasing. Irrigation is one of the important operations undertaken by the farmers, and the conventional irrigation pumps are driven either through electricity or diesel as the energy source.  Besides, higher costs, an irregular supply of electricity, and a higher diesel price disturb the timely irrigation of the crops. Solar-powered pumping systems are an affordable alternative to conventional diesel or electric pump sets.

The solar water pump is reliable and environmentally sustainable. A solar photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system is one of the ideal solutions for assured, timely, and efficient irrigation of crops. The solar PV system provides a regular or continuous supply of DC electric power to run the solar PV water pumping system, resulting in timely and efficient irrigation, which leads to higher agricultural productivity. A solar PV water pumping system is pollution-free and requires little maintenance as compared to diesel-operated or electricity-operated water pump sets.

An awareness programme on solar water pumping systems provides information on solar energy, its benefits, and its applications. This programme provides a conceptual understanding of water pumps, including solar PV water pumping systems. The major components of a solar PV water pumping system are also described in detail.

A solar PV water pumping system requires very little operation and maintenance. However, the programmes provide the basic elements of operation and maintenance (O&M) at the farm level. The common precautions and safety measures to be taken during the operation are also described.

Evaluation Methodology
The certificate will be given to the learners who obtained 40% and above marks in the end-of-term examination. The end-of-term examination will be conducted through the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Summary Awareness Programme on Solar Water Pumping System

Course layout

• Week 1: Module 1: Solar Energy and its Application
• Week 2: Module 2: Solar Water Pump and its components
• Week 3: Module 3: Operation Maintenance and Safety
• Week 4: Tests

Books and references