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The climate in many countries in the developing world is suitable for solar pumping. Solar energy is a valid option for small-scale water pumping in rural areas where the demand is regular, such as for drinking water, but it may also be used for irrigation. Applications of solar systems are growing at steady rate.
PV modules provide an independent, reliable electrical power source at the point of use, making them particularly suited to remote locations. PV systems are technically viable and with more commercial applications the technology is developing fast and prices are coming down, making PV more and more economically feasible for rural water supplies.
===Suitable conditions ===
With solar water systems the water is pumped during the peak sunshine hours of the day. It can be stored in a tank, and therefore it is not necessary to use batteries. The storage tank can be sized to provide some reserve during cloudy or rainy days. In sub-Saharan Africa the typical storage is about 3 to 5 days of water demand. In environments where rainy seasons occur, rainwater harvesting can offset the reduced output of the solar pump during this period.
To properly size the size of solar panel(s) needed, refer to [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CGgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fartplatform.unicef.org%2Fwash%2FUNICEF_WASH_Technology_web/supply/index_54301.pdf&ei=o2apT83fOKWhiAKFg7zkAg&usg=AFQjCNGKCfJz4oZ-8k2bQ3sulhgHRLV4EQ&sig2=hJsl_JqK0Dc3su6NRXyXcA html WASH Technology Information Packages], pages 130 & 131. Before that are great maps showing solar ranges and intensities in different regions of the world.
===Construction, operations and maintenance===[[Image:SolarPumpDiagram.jpg|thumb|right|250px200px| Solar pumping system diagram. <br>Photo: UNICEF.]]
Solar panels are a very reliable piece of equipment and many manufacturers sell the panels with a guarantee of 25 years. It should be noted that such a warranty can only be honoured if the supplier is still in business in 25 years. Therefore, it is advisable to select reliable suppliers rather than to choose the cheapest source.
Dust must be removed from the glass plates of the module regularly. In addition, external wires, the supporting structure of the array, covers for the electronic components, and a fence may need occasional repairs. Wood or metal parts that are sensitive to corrosion must be painted every year. Much of the additional electrical and electronic equipment should function automatically for at least 10–15 years, although batteries, AC/DC converters, engines and pumps may need more frequent servicing.
Local organization can be very simple, consisting mainly of appointing a caretaker and collecting fees. However, an adequate number of technicians for repairing suchsystems must be available at regional or national level.
Expected life cycle: Eighteen years or more for modules.
Theft prevention normally includes fencing. For fences to be effective they should be 2 metres high, with barbed wire, and have gates with proper locks. Communities may also decide to employ a night guard and allocate money from their budget for security staff salaries.
===Costs===
The prices of PV modules have fluctuated a lot over the last decade, but in 2009 there was a sharp fall in prices. These developments are influenced by raw material prices and the market situation. Below, the chart shows the changes in price from 2001 to 2009. It is advisable to check for up-to-date price information at [http://www.solarbuzz.com/Moduleprices.htm. solarbuzz.com].
Examples from the field show that the high initial costs of PV solar pumping systems can be recouped over a five-year period, due to savings on fuel. Since it is unlikely that fuel costs will decrease (and it is likely that capital costs of solar arrays will go down), the period should be even shorter in the future, making solar pumping an increasingly viable option.
===Field experiences===[[Image:solar market garden.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Solar Market Garden project hooks up solar panels to a drip-system. Photo: [http://self.org/ Solar Electric Light Fund.]]] For the first time, women farmers in the rural villages of Bessassi and Dunkassa, in northern Benin, are able to grow vegetables and fruits during the six month dry season, improving food security and nutrition for themselves and their families. Farmers are also increasing their income by selling excess crops in the market. Now entering its third year, [http://self.org/current-projects/ SELF's Solar Market Garden project] has proved that solar energy can provide long term solutions to hunger, malnutrition and poverty in developing nations. In addition, since December 2010, the villagers of Bessassi and Dunkassa now have access to clean drinking water via water wells powered by custom arrays of solar-panels ranging from 1.2 - 4 kW. This particular combination is not only a long-term solution, but can also be replicated all over the African continent. ====Akvo RSR Projects===={|style="border: 2px solid #e0e0e0; width: 40%; text-align: justify; background-color: #e9f5fd;" cellpadding="2"<!--rsr logo here-->|- style="vertical-align: top"|[[Image:akvorsr logo_lite.png|center|60px|link=http://akvo.org/products/rsr/]]<!--project blocks here-->|- style="vertical-align: bottom"|[[Image:project 789.jpg |thumb|center|140px|<font size="2"><center>[http://rsr.akvo.org/project/789/ RSR Project 789]<br>MWA-LAP: <br>Colombia</center></font>|link=http://rsr.akvo.org/project/789/ ]] |[[Image:project 819.jpg |thumb|center|140px|<font size="2"><center>[http://rsr.akvo.org/project/819/ RSR Project 819]<br>Water, Food & Sanitation for School + Community</center></font>|link=http://rsr.akvo.org/project/819/ ]] |} <br>
==Reference manuals=Manuals, videos, and links===
* [http://www.bobfreling.com/2009/08/solar-energy-powering-food-sec.htm Food Security: Using Solar Power to Transform Rural Agriculture in Benin's Kalalé District.] Bob Freling's Solar Blog.
* [http://www.mawama.org/rope-pump/powered-rope-pump/solar-pv-powered-rope-pump] Details of the prototype 150W solar powered rope pump estimated to cost $600
===Acknowledgements===* [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CGgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fartplatform.unicef.org%2Fwash%2FUNICEF_WASH_Technology_web/supply/index_54301.pdf&ei=o2apT83fOKWhiAKFg7zkAg&usg=AFQjCNGKCfJz4oZ-8k2bQ3sulhgHRLV4EQ&sig2=hJsl_JqK0Dc3su6NRXyXcA html WASH Technology Information Packages – for UNICEF WASH Programme and Supply Personnel.] UNICEF, 2010.* Brikke, François, and Bredero, Maarten. [httphttps://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygienepublications/omlinking-technology-choice-with-o-m-in-ws/wsh9241562153en/en Linking technology choice with operation and maintenance in the context of community water supply and sanitation: A reference document for planners and project staff]. World Health Organization and IRC Water and Sanitation Centre. Geneva, Switzerland 2003.