Design of Photovoltaic (PV) Pumping

Introduction

In order to implement cost effective photovoltaic (PV) pumping system, it is necessary to follow some basic guidelines to design and size every system component. This page will explain about detailed calculation needed for sizing every system component. The basic step to design photovoltaic (PV) pumping system is:

1. Determination of water supply need

2. Calculation of pumping head

3. Estimation of solar resource

4. Finding appropriate solar pump and inverter

5. Calculation of PV panel required

Determination of Water Supply Need for Domestic Water Supply

According to , there are two distinct application for photovoltaic (PV) pumping system; 

1. Drinking water supply (domestic water supply)

2. Irrigation water supply

For domestic water supply, the first data needed is to estimate the water requirement for one person/day. A good estimate can be found from , that relate how much water required to sustain particular activities. Here is the estimate:

Purpose                             Recommended minimum (liter/person/day)

Drinking water                        5 

Sanitary services                  20

Bathing                                15

Cooking and Kitchen             10

                                    _______+

Total                                     50