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click to hide/show revision 1
initial version
VinnyCasey gravatar image
WaterAid

Hey Mark,

My impression is that implementers usually avoid use of battery systems when installing solar for rural as they add extra costs and complexity to the system. Another set of things that could go wrong. They usually opt for sufficient storage to ensure there is water available outside pumping times. When we reviewed solar pumped systems in Uganda this was also an issue that came up.

Please see the attached brief from the International Energy Association which references the issue on page 11.

“PVP systems do not require batteries, which are expensive and need a lot of maintenance. In PVP systems, the energy is usually stored in a high‐level storage tank, which feeds the water by gravity to public water taps. The optimal storage capacity is roughly twice the daily water discharge rate.”

Also page 3 of the Practical Action technical brief:

“A typical AC system would also need batteries which require maintenance and add to the cost as the system is less efficient and would need a larger array.”

Erik is suggesting that this question also be put on Knowledgepoint to solicit other opinions – would you be happy with that? If so – let Cristian know (also copied in).

Best,

Vinny

IEA Solar Pumping Paper.pdf

Solar Photovoltaic Waterpumping.pdf

click to hide/show revision 2
No.2 Revision
Cristian Anton gravatar image
WaterAid

Hey Mark,

My impression is that implementers usually avoid use of battery systems when installing solar for rural as they add extra costs and complexity to the system. Another set of things that could go wrong. They usually opt for sufficient storage to ensure there is water available outside pumping times. When we reviewed solar pumped systems in Uganda this was also an issue that came up.

Please see the attached brief from the International Energy Association which references the issue on page 11.

“PVP systems do not require batteries, which are expensive and need a lot of maintenance. In PVP systems, the energy is usually stored in a high‐level storage tank, which feeds the water by gravity to public water taps. The optimal storage capacity is roughly twice the daily water discharge rate.”

Also page 3 of the Practical Action technical brief:

“A typical AC system would also need batteries which require maintenance and add to the cost as the system is less efficient and would need a larger array.”

Erik is suggesting that this question also be put on Knowledgepoint to solicit other opinions – would you be happy with that? If so – let Cristian know (also copied in).

Best,

Vinny

IEA Solar Pumping Paper.pdf

Solar Photovoltaic Waterpumping.pdf