Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages related to adoption of Solar Pumping Schemes

✅ Low Operation costs since fuel is not needed and system run on sunlight

✅ No dependency on erratic or expensive fuel chain supply (avoid also the risk of fuel theft) or faulty grids

✅ Low regular maintenance requirements since solar panels and invertors have no moving parts

✅ No pollution or noise produced

✅ Extended lifetime (good quality solar panels are warrantied for 25yrs, invertors typically 6-8 years)

✅ Modular solution that can be expanded easily by adding modules and other accessories

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

⭕ Lack of incentives for organizations to adopt better energy solutions in the field.

⭕ Inability to properly show benefits to donors and management. Some donor decisions dominated by initial investments.

⭕ System is dependent on solar radiation levels

⭕ Typically, spare parts and knowledgeable technicians are only available at capital level

⭕ Water stakeholders have not institutionalized their scattered solar expertise