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Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Solar-Powered Water Pumping System
Executive Summary
This report presents the analysis and performance evaluation of a solar-powered water pumping system installed in
Barangay San Lorenzo, Philippines. The system was designed to provide sustainable water access to rural
households, using photovoltaic (PV) panels to power the pump. This technical report assesses the system’s design,
operation efficiency, energy consumption, and water output over a 6-month period. The results demonstrate that the
system performs efficiently during peak sunlight hours, with a daily average water output of 10,000 liters, but faces
challenges on cloudy days. Recommendations for optimizing system performance include installing additional
battery storage and adjusting the solar panel orientation.
Introduction
Access to clean water is a critical issue in many rural communities in the Philippines. Solar-powered water pumping
systems offer a sustainable alternative to conventional energy-dependent pumps, especially in remote areas where
grid power is unavailable or unreliable. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the performance of a solar-powered
water pumping system installed in Barangay San Lorenzo, focusing on its operational efficiency, energy
consumption, and water output.
System Description
The system consists of the following components:
1. Photovoltaic Panels: 10 PV panels rated at 250W each, arranged in series to supply power to the pump.
2. Water Pump: A submersible DC water pump designed to draw water from a 20-meter deep well, with a
flow rate of 20 liters per minute.
3. Inverter: A 2 kW inverter is used to convert the DC output from the PV panels into AC power for the
pump.
4. Storage Tank: A 10,000-liter elevated storage tank was installed to provide a continuous water supply
during non-sunlight hours.
5. Battery Backup: A 48V, 200Ah battery bank stores excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours.
Methodology
Data was collected over a 6-month period (January to June 2023) using the following methods:
1. Water Output Monitoring: Daily water output (in liters) was measured using a flow meter attached to the
water pump.
2. Energy Consumption Monitoring: Energy usage was tracked using an energy meter to determine the
amount of electricity consumed by the system.
3. Weather Data: Local weather conditions, including sunlight hours and cloud cover, were monitored to
assess their impact on system performance.
4. System Efficiency Calculations: The efficiency of the system was calculated using the ratio of energy
consumed to water output, adjusted for weather conditions.
Results
1. Water Output
 Daily Water Output: The system provided an average daily water output of 10,000 liters during sunny
days, sufficient to meet the needs of 150 households.
 Impact of Cloudy Weather: Water output decreased by 35% on cloudy days due to reduced solar energy
generation. On these days, the battery bank provided backup power for 4-6 hours.
2. Energy Consumption
 Energy Use: On average, the system consumed 8 kWh of energy per day. The PV panels generated an
average of 10 kWh daily during peak sunlight hours, with excess energy stored in the battery bank.
 Battery Backup Efficiency: The battery bank was able to store approximately 20% of the excess energy
generated. However, its limited capacity resulted in reduced water output during prolonged cloudy periods.
3. System Efficiency
 Pump Efficiency: The pump achieved an average efficiency of 85% during peak performance. However,
efficiency dropped to 65% during periods of low sunlight, primarily due to energy losses in the inverter and
battery system.
 Energy to Water Output Ratio: The system consumed 0.8 kWh of energy per 1,000 liters of water
pumped under optimal conditions, making it an efficient solution for off-grid water access.
Challenges
 Limited Battery Storage: The battery bank’s capacity was insufficient to sustain the system during
extended cloudy days. This led to water shortages in the community.
 Weather Dependency: System performance was highly dependent on sunlight, and water output was
reduced on days with limited solar radiation.
 Inverter Losses: The conversion losses in the inverter accounted for approximately 15% of total energy
losses, reducing overall system efficiency.
Recommendations
1. Increase Battery Capacity: To improve reliability during cloudy weather, the battery storage capacity
should be increased by 50%, allowing for a 2-day backup supply.
2. Optimize Solar Panel Orientation: Adjusting the orientation of the PV panels to capture more sunlight
during early morning and late afternoon hours will increase energy generation.
3. Install a Secondary Pump: Installing a backup AC-powered pump for use during extended periods of low
solar radiation will ensure continuous water supply.
4. Regular Maintenance: To maintain system efficiency, regular cleaning of the PV panels and servicing of
the inverter should be performed.
Conclusion
The solar-powered water pumping system in Barangay San Lorenzo demonstrated efficient performance during peak
sunlight hours, providing a reliable water supply to the community. However, the system faced limitations during
cloudy weather, primarily due to insufficient battery storage. With the recommended optimizations, the system can
provide more consistent water access and operate more efficiently.
References
 Solar Energy International (2022). Solar Water Pumping for Rural Villages. SEI Publishing.
 Department of Energy (DOE) Philippines. (2023). Off-Grid Renewable Energy Solutions in the Philippines.
DOE Report.
 Thakur, R., & Singh, J. (2021). "Performance Evaluation of Solar-Powered Water Pumps in Rural
Communities." Renewable Energy Journal, 45(6), 111-118.
 Clean Energy Council (2022). Guide to Solar Water Pumping Systems. Clean Energy Council.

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Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Solar-Powered Water Pumping System

The system consists of the following components:

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