Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar PV Water Pumping Schemes

Advantages

1. Low Operation costs since fuel is not needed and the system runs on sunlight

2. No dependency on erratic or expensive fuel chain supply

3. Low regular maintenance requirements since solar panels and inverters have no moving parts

4. No pollution or noise is produced

5. Extended lifetime (good quality solar panels are warrantied for 25yrs, investors typically 6-8 years)

Disadvantages

1. Capital costs are typically higher than equivalent diesel solutions. However, systems prices are increasingly dropping

2. Most applications need water storage typically more significant than for equivalent diesel systems

3. System is dependent on solar radiation levels