Solar Water Pump Technology Roadmap

Abstract

Cost reductions in solar water pumps have the potential to make modern irrigation more accessible and cost-effective for nearly 500 million small-scale farmers globally. From May 2018–May 2019, Efficiency for Access convened a technical working group to construct an industry roadmap for solar water pumps. This document identifies a series of technology improvements for remote monitoring systems and brushless DC motors that, if adopted, could improve the efficiency and performance of solar water pumps. It also outlines recommendations for future research in several areas, including connectivity, connectors and couplers, water quality and the impact it has on durability, the use of drip irrigation through behavioral change, quality assurance, and in-country barriers. Together, these components form a common starting point for further investment and industry collaboration. This work was supported by the UK Department for International Development as part of the ‘Low Energy Inclusive Appliances’ (LEIA) programme