Baseline of the Use of Solar Irrigation Pump in the Niayes Area in Senegal

Solar irrigation pumps are considered as an alternative to the use of diesel and electric pumps due to the high cost of energy. These pumps are now increasingly used in the Niayes area. Thus, a more in-depth knowledge about the components of a solar pumping system and their characteristics available on the market as well as prices can be beneficial. This study was conducted to have an idea on the baseline of the use of solar irrigation pumps in this area. To perform this study, surveys were conducted among 12 suppliers and 10 service providers located in Dakar, Thies, Louga and Saint-Louis region and among 53 users located in Potou area which is in Louga region. Results show a wide range of pump brands and characteristics. Brands found were Lorentz, LIKOU, SHIMGE, Grundfos, Solar pump, Feili, Difful, JUQIANG, Solar tech, and Asaman. The pumps’ flow rate varies between 2.5 m3/h and 45 m3/h, the pressure ranges from 15 m to 160 m and the power is between 0.072 kW and 10 kW. The price of these pumps varies depending on the brand used and their characteristics. In addition, other materials are available, such as panels with power ranging from 80 W to 330 W and electric cables. The price of these components varies according on the type used. Thus, the investment cost for implementation varies between 640 euros (420,000 CFA) and 25,087 euros (16,455,919 CFA). The cost of installation varies between 76.3 euros (50,000 CFA) and 1219.6 euros (800,000 CFA). Concerning maintenance, it is generally free during the warranty period when the equipment is supplied and installed by the same company. However, the cost of maintenance varies between 152.5 euros and 457.4 euros/year or is estimated at 45.7 euro/maintenance after the warranty years. Investigations conducted among users show that farmers in general do not perform pump maintenance due to a lack of knowledge and financial means. Thus, according to farmers, factors that impact pumps operation are the low sunshine that occurs between December and January and the iron in the water and low well discharge.

Technical and Economic Feasibility of Solar Pump Irrigation in the North-Niayes Region in Senegal

Northern Niayes is an area where agriculture is the main activity. Water used for irrigation in this area comes exclusively from groundwater. Farmers do not have access to electricity, thus fuel is the main source of energy used, which is very expensive. The objective of this study was to assess the techno-economic feasibility of solar irrigation pumps. Regarding technical feasibility, pump sizing was carried out on the basis of irrigation management, irrigation techniques, and water distribution. Also, the economic feasibility was studied on the basis of the Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Internal Rate of Return and Payback Period. Results showed for cultivated area ranging from 0.05 ha to 1.91 ha, pumps’ flow rate does not vary greatly from one irrigation technique to another. It varies between 2.5 m3/h and 31 m3/h. However, pressure and power are higher when using drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques, ranging from 27.8 m to 39.9 m for drip and 40.1 m to 58.5 m for sprinkler irrigation. The power varies between 0.05 kW and 1.6 kW for manual, between 0.05 kW and 2.5 kW for drip and between 0.1 kW and 4.75 kW for sprinkler irrigation. The investment cost is variable (669 euros to 21,400 euros), depending on the cultivated area, pump brands and characteristics, and irrigation techniques. Results show that the investment cost ranges from 669 euros (438,500 CFA) to 4090 euros (2,683,000 CFA) when using the manual irrigation technique, from 1281 euros to 20,600 euros when using the drip irrigation technique and from 819 euros to 21,403 euros when using sprinkler irrigation technique for individual pumps. The investment cost is higher when using reservoirs. In this case, the investment cost varied between €722 and €6062 for manual irrigation, €1532 and €25,882 for drip irrigation and €900 and €28,000 for sprinkling. However, the total investment cost at the entire lowland scale is higher when farmers use the pumps individually and lower when farmers use the pumps in groups when using manual and drip irrigation techniques. NPV varies between 15,993€ (0.75 ha) and 103,139€ (1.41 ha) and between 13,064€ and 86,139€ when using sprinkler irrigation techniques with PVC pipes and when using the drip irrigation technique, respectively. BCR is estimated to average 2.2, 2, and 2 respectively when using manual, drip, and sprinkler irrigation techniques. In addition, PBP is reached more rapidly when using the manual irrigation technique.