This document provides an introduction to solar powered water pumping systems as an alternative to conventional diesel or electric pumps for irrigation. It outlines the key components of a solar water pumping system, including photovoltaic arrays, pump controllers, electric motors and pumps. Solar power provides a regular supply of electricity for irrigation, leading to higher agricultural productivity in a pollution-free manner with less maintenance compared to other pump systems. The objectives and structure of an awareness program on solar water pumping systems for farmers are also summarized.

2. IntroductionIntroduction
 Irrigation is one of the important operations in agriculture
production system.
 Irrigation pumps are conventionally driven through electricity
or diesel as the energy source.
 Cost of energy (electricity or diesel) for irrigation to drive the
water pump, constitutes up to 30% of the total input cost for a
farmer.This cost is consistently increasing.
 Further, the irregular supply of electricity and higher diesel
price disturb the timely irrigation to the crops.
Cont…

3. IntroductionIntroduction
 Solar powered pumping systems are affordable alternative to
replace conventional diesel or electric pump sets.
 The solar water pump is reliable and environmentally
sustainable.
The major components of a solar water pumping system are: The major components of a solar water pumping system are:
photovoltaic (PV) array, pump controller, electric motor and
pump.
 Solar PV system provides regular/continuous supply of DC
electric power to run the solar PV water pumping system
resulting in timely and efficient irrigation which leads to higher
agricultural productivity.
Cont…

4.  Solar PV water pumping system is pollution-free and require
little maintenance compared to the diesel operated or
electric (AC) operated pump sets.
 IGNOU in collaboration with International Solar Alliance
(ISA) has developed an awareness programme on solar water
IntroductionIntroduction
(ISA) has developed an awareness programme on solar water
pumping system to create awareness among farmers and
disseminate the basic aspects of solar PV water pumping
system.

5. ObjectivesObjectives
 Sensitize and educate learners about importance of solar
energy and its application in agriculture;
 Identify the components solar PV water pumping system;
Impart the skills for operation, maintenance and safety in Impart the skills for operation, maintenance and safety in
relation to solar PV water pumping system.

6. Salient FeaturesSalient Features
Eligibility for Admission
 Neo-literates preferably 8th pass
Medium of Instruction
English English
Duration
 Minimum 1 months
 Maximum 3 months.

7. Course StructureCourse Structure
 Module-I: Solar Energy and its Application
 Module-II: Solar Water Pump and its Components
 Module-III: Operation, Maintenance and Safety