Maximum Area That Can Be Economically Irrigated by Solar Photovoltaic Pumping System

Abstract

This work describes the cost efficiency of a solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping system for irrigation system in relation to the most effective traditional power system, a diesel engine. A mathematical model for optimal sizing of a solar PV pumping system is used to estimate the maximum area that can be economically irrigated by the solar PV pumping system. The proposed methodology and model have been applied in two different areas in Croatia Osijek and Split, as paradigms of continental and coastal Croatia as well as European Union. The obtained results show that maximum areas which can be economically irrigated in the Osijek region are greater than in the Split region. Such result indicates that PV irrigation systems can be equally economically applied in relatively cooler climates and with less solar radiation, as well as in a warmer Mediterranean climate.