Abstract

This study presents a Photo Voltaic (PV) water pumping system for agricultural irrigation in Ziguinchor, designed to replace conventional diesel pumps. The system comprises solar panels, a submersible pump, elevated water tanks, and an irrigation network, providing reliable water supply to crops while reducing fuel consumption. Pumping 7m³/h from Total Dynamic Head of 30m requires approximately 572.25W of hydraulic power, corresponding to 1780W of photovoltaic generator power considering a system efficiency of 45%. The solar pump avoids Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions from diesel use, estimated at 2.68kg of CO₂ per liter of fuel, and reduces operating costs, making the levelized cost of hydraulic energy lower than diesel after 2-4 years. Additionally, it can increase annual irrigation volume by 20-50%, improving agricultural productivity and revenue. PV pumping thus offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel pumps.

Keywords: Photovoltaic pumping; Vegetable irrigation; Ecological impact; Techno-economic; Casamance

Abbreviations: ρ: Density; g: Gravitational Acceleration; CO₂: Carbon Dioxide; P: Panel; W: Watt; t: time; TDH: Total Dynamic Head; PV: Photovoltaic; V: Volume; I: Irradiance