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Renewable energy such as solar energy is truly one of the most serviceable ones out of all. Being clean, green, unlimited, reasonable, and accessible are some of its numerous charms. This is why it could be effortlessly used at the domestic level and also for industrial purposes. Solar energy can be transformed, modified, and utilized for multiple purposes thanks to its versatile nature.
Now when it comes to irrigation, water availability and power availability are the crucial components. But for the continuous supply of power, farmers with irrigation pumps have to bear the weight of expenses to produce quality crops.
For the sake of cost-cutting, constant power supply, easy accessibility in remote areas, and most importantly, self-dependence, more and more farmers are shifting to solar power now.
It is astonishing that people in several parts of the world still have to travel miles to fetch water from the wells and manually carry it to the fields.
Adapting to solar energy for pumping out irrigation water will improve productivity and save money spent on paying bills repeatedly.
For favourable productivity of crops, the amount of irrigation water is very crucial. Either too much or too little water may lead to soil erosion, wilting of the produce, inadequate nutrient absorption by plants, etc. This is why accountable and controlled irrigation is the best way to deal with the requirements of growing crops.
Though there are many benefits of installing a solar irrigation pump, mentioned below are some of the substantial ones that help make the hectic irrigation process easier.
- Creates job opportunity
Just like how a new business kicks off its journey, it needs professional human resources; the same happens when a new solar irrigation pump is installed. It is also observed that it starts garnering support, especially from business people and new investors.
Yards and yards of crop fields intrinsically need skilled human resources to look after productivity. Naturally, acres of land cannot be irrigated using just one solar irrigation pump. Multiple pumps, equipment and connecting systems are essential for smooth working. This is when ‘job opportunity comes into the picture. For maintenance and operational purposes – producers, service providers, suppliers, etc., could be hired for help and easier working.
With solar irrigation pumps, many skilled rural residents can contribute their effort and earn wages to support their livelihood. So, shifting to solar power will also facilitate advancement, modernisation, and development of remote areas in the long run.
- Abundant availability
Since irrigation using solar power is not dependent on non-renewable sources, its availability is limitless. So there’s no issue about wastage or extra expenses. The generated solar energy is undoubtedly the cleanest, greenest, and the finest of all the energies. So even the economically deprived nations of the world can make the best use of it.
As the years go by, the prices of solar water pumps seem to be dropping. On top of that, despite being pocket-friendly, the standard of efficiency and productivity is always on point. This proves that it is better than diesel-run water pumps, which are costlier and might run out of non-renewable fuel anytime.
- Full marks for efficiency
Although going for power generated by non-renewable sources is efficient, in the long run, it is costlier. In contrast, studies show that using solar water pumps is not only affordable but also productive. Plus, significant enhancement in the standard of crop’s quality is observed. Since there’s no scope for pollution or release of harmful substances in the biosphere, the crops and plants continue being healthy.
In remote areas, where there’s no access to the electricity grid, solar water pumps could be used with the assistance of photovoltaic plates.
Also, if there’s extra energy left by chance, it could be stored and used later on, unlike diesel that goes to waste.
- Free of cost
One of the essential highlights of solar water pumps is how it is free of cost. Unlike other water pumps run by non-renewable sources (such as diesel), there is no concern about fuel running out or even extra expenses.
One only has to bear the initial cost of installation and minimal maintenance later on. The ever increasing human population demands an adequate boost in the cumulative production of food. Switching to solar-powered irrigation pumps will improve crops’ productivity and elevate their overall standard of quality.
- Eco-friendly
Being dependent on a renewable source of energy, such as sunlight, it is purely eco-friendly. Besides being a significant part of crops’ production process, it contributes to the betterment of the biosphere instead.
Using solar energy for irrigation ensures that no substances toxic to the ozone layer or that can cause global warming are released. Moreover, the additional power produced could be stored in batteries and used for other purposes in future.
- Contributes to country’s economy
After switching to solar energy, the overall productivity of crops, rural area electrification, and power targets are accomplished. This, in turn, lessens the subsidies for non-renewable fossil fuels and reduces obligatory reliance. Taking fossil fuel out of the equation of the crop production process is profitable since buying fuel is a systematic process and leads to more expenses.
Accessibility and abundance of energy, make way for more job opportunities. What’s more, it aids in elevating the quality and quantity of food production, facilitates export overseas, and adds to the national economy.
Who knew the simple process of solar energy assimilated by the cells converted into electrical power could help pump litres of water for irrigation! As of October 2021, the gross price of installing a solar power irrigation system in California, USA, was estimated to be $14,200. On top of that, there is no requirement for grid connection, no expenses on water bills, no fuel needed, and most importantly, it is lasting and durable at its best. Simply assimilating the vital components of the solar irrigation system, such as motor pump, solar panel, pump controller, and connecting wires, will be enough.
Choosing a surface or going for a submersible solar irrigation pump solely relies on the requirement and application.
