Therefore, solar photovoltaic pumping systems are associated with various fields of science and engineering. In remote, less-populated areas without electricity, where it is either challenging to connect to the grid or it is not possible, solar photovoltaic water pumping systems can play a significant role.
Solar photovoltaic water pumping system (SPVWPS) has been a promising area of research for more than 50 years. In the early 70s, efforts and studies were undertaken to explore the possibility of SPVWPS as feasible, viable and economical mean of water pumping.
Direct driven solar PV water pumping system is shown in Fig. 4. In this system, electricity generated by PV modules is directly supplied to the pump. The pump uses this electric power to pump the water. As no backup power is available, the system pumps water during the daytime only when the solar energy is available.
It is crucial to improve the solar photovoltaic pumping system’s performance and reduce losses in order to identify the system’s ideal characteristics. To optimize a system, one should design and manufacture it to be as productive as possible. Below, some optimization strategies are presented by several researchers.
Considerations for designing a solar pumping system include various parameters including: water demand (volume), water storage, water depth (head), location of PV panels, and solar irradiance among others. Fortunately, modern software provides a free and user-friendly tool that enables engineers to easily design and size solar pumping system.
Furthermore, the use of solar photovoltaic power to operate the water pumping system is the most appropriate choice because there is a natural relationship between requirement of water and the availability of solar power . SPVWPS comprises of different components, which can be grouped as mechanical, electrical and electronic components.